Academy seizes computers from nearly 100 mids (Drudge Talking About This Next)

Annapolis Capitol Gazzette ^ | JESSICA R. TOWHEY, Staff Writer

[Doctor Raoul]

Academy seizes computers from nearly 100 mids
By JESSICA R. TOWHEY, Staff Writer

Officials at the Naval Academy have seized nearly 100 midshipmen's computers that allegedly contained illegally downloaded music and movies, sources said.

The raid occurred Thursday while students were in class, and a source familiar with the investigation said the computers were being held by the administration.

Cmdr. Bill Spann, academy spokesman, confirmed that an investigation into what material is on the computers is under way, but declined further comment.

He did say punishment for illegally possessing copyrighted material ranges from a court-martial to loss of leave and other restrictions.

Computers are given to each midshipman upon entering the academy. During their four years at the school, mids pay back the value of the computers through deductions from their monthly paychecks.

Amanda Collins, a spokesman for the Recording Industry Association of America, said yesterday that the Naval Academy was among the colleges and universities around the country that were sent two letters from entertainment industry and educational associations asking them to address Internet piracy and establish policies against it.

An Oct. 3 letter signed by four entertainment-based lobbying associations spelled out that Internet copyright infringement violates federal copyright laws.

"`Theft' is a harsh word, but that it is, pure and simple," the letter stated. "... It is no different from walking into the campus bookstore and in a clandestine manner walking out with a textbook without paying for it."

The recording industry estimates that more than 2.6 billion music files are downloaded illegally each month, usually through unlicensed services.

CD sales fell more than 5 percent in 2001 and dipped another 1 percent in the first half of this year, according to the RIAA.

Some of the recording industry's biggest stars, such as Madonna, Mick Jagger and Eminem, have joined coalitions to combat the wholesale theft of music. The industry claims this threatens the livelihood of everyone from artists, songwriters and manufacturers to sound engineers and record-store owners and clerks.

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towhey@capitalgazette.com

[USMMA_83]

As an Academy grad., I'd say that I and the other midshipmen relished the fact that we were held to a much, much higher standard. I still hold myself to a higher standard than the average joe. Rules are rules, so be it. VMI will take the released midshipmen with open arms.

[Poohbah]

Our service men have more important things to do than serve time for downloading millie vinille!

What you tolerate, you will get more of.

[Poohbah]

To expel the best of the best of America's men and women who want to serve this nation, just to placate Hollywood's fudgepacking media elites, is simply despicable.

OK, you're saying that it is morally acceptable to steal as long as the victim is someone you dislike.

If these people are engaging in this behavior, they are not the best of America's men and women. Period, end of story.

I will be in Maryland in December. Anyone want to join me in FReeping the bastard Administrators at the Academy for even thinking about doing this?

No, I'll Freep you instead.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

Jesus H. Christ. Of course some goober of an officer who regressed to mid mentality would get them and think it was a good idea to do it.

"Oh goodie, we can fabricate an honor violation on chickens*** and ruin the lives of a bunch of mids."

They need to transfer the SOB who complied to the worst rathole the Navy can find.

Inexcusable chickens***.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

I shoulda scrolled down before replying. What you said!

[Poohbah]

Sorry, I have to disagree with you. The mids knew the policy, they violated the policy, and they did so on a network that is constantly monitored for intrusion and misuse.

If nothing else, they've demonstrated that they are too stupid to be trusted with the responsibilities of commissioned offficers.

[AZLiberty]

If the RIAA had any brains, they'd publicly make an exception for members of the military, and make free music a benefit of being in the service.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

I'm just remembering a time at another military academy which I attended eons ago (I refuse to date myself, LOL), when there was a helpful article on finance. In sum, the article suggested using your credit card to buy everything, and pay off the balance the last possible day - thereby theoretically getting interest free use of the money for the billing cycle (of course, in retrospect, it was a silly suggestion that would lull people into screwing up and paying late, but it does work on paper).

The feces hit the fan on that.

The next month, the Comm's office honor goon squad forced the cadet in question to publish a retraction and apology, deeming the interest free use of money, even within the bounds of contract, as an honor violation. Rumor had it (yeah, I know - but it was good rumor) that they pretty well had this firstie afraid he was going to be punted for it.

This simply reminded me of that.

[philetus]

Cable tv now has Music Choice.
45 channels of "commercial free" music, 24 hrs a day.

Music catagories:

classic disco, today's country, classic country, americana,
bluegrass, R&B hiphop, classic R&B, smooth R&B, rap, metal, rock, power rock, classic rock, alternative rock, electronica, dance, progressive/ adult alternative, soft rock, hit list, party favorites, 80's, new wave, 70's, solid gold oldies, singers and standards, big band & swing, easy listening, smooth jazz, jazz, blues, reggae, soundscapes, classical masterpieces, opera, light classical, show tunes, contemporary christian, gospel, for kids only, sounds of the seasons, musica latina, salsa merengue, rock en espanol, latin love songs, mexicano.

For music lovers, this is worth the price of cable.

Buy a tv tuner card for your computer and listen to all your favorite's.
No downloads and faster than any modem.

[American Soldier]

The next month, the Comm's office honor goon squad forced the cadet in question to publish a retraction and apology, deeming the interest free use of money, even within the bounds of contract, as an honor violation.

WTF? Is that under the Sharia Law or what? I didn't know Islamic fundamentalism was so rampant in the military! Ha. What a stupid thing to scare the kid for.

Stories like the one you told - and the current Naval Academy witchhunt, as well as the fury over some squid writing "HIJACK THIS, FAGS" on a bomb destined to annihilate Taliban thugs - are the reason I don't get offended when I am in civilian clothes and some enlisted guy remarks how much he hates officers. Most of them have a story that makes their remark understandable.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

There is always room for a little inspired chickens*** as a bonding exercise. Beast Barracks, Hell Week, the UDT and Airborne courses all have their positive points. However, much of the stuff you're reading about now results in petty, meaningless snobbery, and does little to impart meaningful military skills. Unfortunately, that has been part of the officer training ethos since the beginning of time - and officers who return to train cadets perpetuate the cycle.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

Also keep in mind that this was well over 20 years ago.