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| Pirate Party Wins 56 Places in North German Election |
| Friday, 16 September 2011 16:23 |
 To my amazement, the Pirate Party won numerous seats in the Lower Saxony election and is currently polling 9% of the vote in Berlin. Around Hanover, they pulled about as many votes as the traditional FDP, part of the governing coalition. Even 3% is a remarkable result, especially with a surging Greens party attractive to many of the same voters. Lower Saxony, unlike many other parts of Germany, does not require a 5% minimum to win seats under proportional representation. This is yet more convincing evidence we need to find a better way to support creators than threatening people with jail and excommunication. Most of the population - I'd bet 80% - either copies music or thinks it shouldn't be criminal. Despite that, the power of industry money has brought "IP" near the top of U.S. policy concerns. It's a perfect example of "special interest" money inciting politicians to vote against their constituents.
When Hilary Clinton goes to Beijing to discuss cooperation about North Korean nuclear weapons, it's disgusting to complicate her visit with arguments over royalties to four giant record companies.
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