RE: New US Bill re. Copyright/Federal Funding

[Linda Hopkins <lin.hopkins@hotmail.com>]

Dear All:

I apologize for the emotionalism of my earlier comments.

Whose rights to protect when it comes to scientific research is 
of course a complicated question.  When I worked as a 
presidential advisor, the trend was definitely towards making 
access and practical use of knowledge developed by federal funds 
available to as many people as possible.  I believe in that 
policy.

I recognize that publishing houses want to make money on their 
publications and if Disney and Fox News want to do this, fine. 
That's entertainment.

But the inherent value of scientific research is that a wide 
variety of learned experts read and discuss it.  Since the 
purpose of federal funds for research is to advance science, 
technology, health care, and better standards of living, I 
believe that granting a free irrevocable, world-wide license to 
the government to display and copy articles is nothing more than 
fulfilling the purposes of the grant/contract.

Linda Hopkins

Linda K. Hopkins, Attorney at Law
Intelliware Int'l Law Firm
449 South Owasso Boulevard West
Roseville, MN  55113
Phone: 651-481-0177
Email: lin.hopkins@hotmail.com