“Must Read” Newspaper Articles...Again | Eastern North Carolina Now

    In the past I have directed my Silliness Awareness at the Foolishness practiced by my local newspaper of labeling at least one article in every issue as Must Read.

    I really don't have time to read everything but I am concerned that these Must Read Articles might be a requirement of a Federal Law. If that be the case, I am fearful that I might get sent to jail because, don't tell anyone, I do not read every one of them.

    The Headline for a recent Must Read Article was: Monkey Cannot Own Copyright to 'Selfie', U.S. Judge Says

    Thank heaven there is a least one judge still left in the Good Ole USofA who has Ole Fashioned Common Sense. If you don't recognize the term "Common Sense", Google It!

    Here are excerpts from the article...
     A rare crested macaque that took a now internationally famous "selfie" cannot own the copyright to the photograph because he is not human, a U.S. judge ruled in a suit brought by animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals on behalf of the monkey.
     PETA brought the case in September 2015 on behalf of the seven-year-old monkey Naruto against British photographer David Slater, who self-published the photo in a wildlife book.
     Naruto, who resides on a reserve in Indonesia, took the image and several others in 2011 using a camera left unattended by Slater, the suit said.
     PETA argued he should be declared owner of the photos and receive damages for copyright infringement that would be Used for Habitat Preservation.
     "Used for Habitat Preservation"... This tactic is often used by the Sneaky People of this world we live in. They propose something Foolish and tie it to a "How Can Anyone Be Against This" touchy feely sentiment or cause and reach out to the Touchy Feely Heart Strings of so many of us and, next thing we know, we have a Touchy Feely Law on the books.
     PETA General Counsel Jeff Kerr told Reuters that the group is reviewing its legal options... Mr. Kerr issued this statement, "Although we are disappointed, we are celebrating the fact that this is a historic case. For the first time we are arguing that an animal can own property, rather than merely being a piece of property himself."

    My only disappointment in this judge is he processed the case through his court using proper judicial procedures. My regret is that he did not say, "Get the hell out of my courtroom!" as soon as he realized what was being presented before him.

    Would I kid u?
    Smartfella

    Lagniappe: Not only did this judge have Common Sense but the way he plays with words brings a tear to my word loving heart. He said in his court papers, "Monkey see, monkey sue is not good law".

    Sad Lagniappe:
    September 17, 2017
    SAN FRANCISCO -- A lawsuit over who owns the copyright to selfie photographs snapped by a monkey has ended in a settlement before a federal court could answer the novel legal question.

    Lawyers for an animal-rights group said Monday that they would ask a federal appeals court to dismiss the case. They say photographer David Slater, whose camera was used to take the photo, agreed to donate 25 percent of any future revenue to charities dedicated to protecting crested macaques.

    A joint statement posted to PETA's website Monday read: "PETA and David Slater agree that this case raises important, cutting-edge issues about expanding legal rights for nonhuman animals, a goal that they both support, and they will continue their respective work to achieve this goal."