Quick Roundup 210

Dismuke Fires Back!

During my last roundup, I noted that Darren Cauthon took issue with what he called the "webcaster side" of the Internet music royalty debate in a posting against Dismuke. Since then, there has been a vigorous debate in the comments of that post, which has spurred Dismuke into a rebuttal at his web site, as well as a presentation of a "Free Market Answer to Statutory Royalties" over at his blog. I have unfortunately not had the time to do anything other than scan any of this new material.

I will say one thing, though. The other day, when I complained about such spawn of the mixed economy as debates like this, I forgot one thing. On top of the fact that both sides in such debates often have mixed premises, there is also the matter of the crow epistemology. It is easy to lose track of the legal and political minutiae even while actively interested in such debates, and far more so to forget many of them a few weeks later.

Vaclav Klaus Q&A

If you haven't already seen Vaclav Klaus holding court on global warming hysteria, stop by the Financial Times right now.

President Klaus, I agree, so how do rational libertarians [sic] prevent the destruction of our culture by environmentalists? What’s the answer?
Nicholas Horvath

Vaclav Klaus: The "rational libertarians" (I don't mind being called classical liberal) [I would prefer to be called a "classical liberal", or almost anything else besides a "libertarian" for that matter. --ed] should stop being just a silent majority. They should speak out, as well as speak up. They should reveal the real dangers connected with environmentalism. As the subtitle of my recent book "What is Endangered: Climate or Freedom?" suggests, I believe that it is freedom which is endangered. And freedom is more than eventual, relatively mild climate changes. [italics added]

Sure, I've been saying that all along, but he said it far more economically, and far more powerfully: "It is freedom which is endangered." (HT: HBL)

The Best Beer Commercial Ever!

Not only is this a really good beer commercial, ...

... it advertises something I can actually drink!

Feinstein Takes Aim at Freedom of Speech

The Democrats are now openly admitting that they want to bring back the "Fairness" Doctrine.

WALLACE: So would you revive the fairness doctrine?

FEINSTEIN: Well, I'm looking at it, as a matter of fact, Chris, because I think there ought to be an opportunity to present the other side. And unfortunately, talk radio is overwhelmingly one way.

WALLACE: But the argument would be it's the marketplace, and if liberals want to put on their own talk radio, they can put it on. At this point, they don't seem to be able to find much of a market.

FEINSTEIN: Well, apparently, there have been problems. It is growing. But I do believe in fairness. I remember when there was a fairness doctrine, and I think there was much more serious correct reporting to people. [bold added]

And if they restrict freedom of speech on the airwaves, they will target the Internet next.

Psychological Projection by the Left ...

... on the subject of bumper stickers, of all things! Don Surber notes that the latest left-wing version of attacking something as "simplistic" is to say that it is a "bumper-sticker solution".

So, from the people who gave us "Buck Fush" and "Free Tibet" we get the ultimate bumper sticker:

"(Blank) is a bumper-sticker solution."

Let's see how that works.

It's also cunning in a way. Idiotically short-circuit debate as usual for the bumper sticker crowd, but use the Average Joe's justifiable contempt for bumper stickers to smear your opponent.

It's also right in another way: Since the Republicans abandoned principle long ago, they left themselves wide open to such attacks. (HT: Glenn Reynolds)

A Real Beauty

Amit Ghate has posted photos of his latest orchid blossom. Go check it out!

-- CAV