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> But for every case like the King speech there are plenty more that are examples of its benefit.

How does extending copyright to 70 years after his death benefit our culture or the dead author? Do you honestly think there is even a single song or piece of literature that was not written because the author was concerned about his grandchildren retaining copyright control over his idea?

I appreciate that you're trying to take a balanced view, but you're missing the point that the laws have extended copyright to such absurd levels that they now damaging the cultural progress they are supposed to promote.

If you don't think this is a real issue, I suggest you read these two other examples of copyright destroying our cultural heritage.

http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2013/20130215archi...

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2010/03/documentaries-old...



> grandchildren retaining copyright control over his idea

You are being conservative. Let's try to visualize a hypothetical example...

Age 25 children are born.

Age 40 write work of art.

Age 50 grand children are born.

Age 75 great grand children are born.

Age 80 dies.

100 years after being born. Great great grand children are born.

125 years after being born. Great great great grand children are born.

150 years after being born. Great great great great grand children are born. Copyright runs out.




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