According to a detailed, must-read report of the Oregon laws copyright dispute hearing carried by the Loaded Orygun, the hearing “was an astonishing display of open-mindedness and respect for informed opinion that resulted in a victory for the public interest.”   As Loaded Orygun’s post “ Shocking Democracy In LCC Hearing: Decision Actually Swayed by Testimony!” reports:

 Carl Malamud and Karl Olson testified first, making arguments strongly based in case law history. Tim Stanley of Justia.org followed, expressing the impact that the LCC’s decision would have on his business, and also expressing a desire to serve as a facilitator in effective public discourse about the law. They had been pursuing a case in Federal court, which was clearly a concern of the LCC members. The LCC also took verbal testimony from three Oregon residents, the authors of this blog post: Pete Forsyth, a collaboration consultant; Bart Massey, a PSU professor and open source advocate; and Amy Sample Ward, formerly of the Chalkboard Project and current project manager for Connectipedia.org. A number of others, including wiki inventor Ward Cunningham and Portland attorney Matthew Whitman, submitted written testimony. Every legislator was thoroughly engaged with the process, . . .

It brings to mind the words of Margaret Mead:  “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

For those of you who will be in Portland in a couple of weeks, you’ll get to meet these free access thoughtful, committed citizens and learn what they are next setting their sights upon.

Who:  Tim Stanley and Carl Malamud

What:  AALL Hot Topic, “”Push Back and Push Forward — Open Access in Oregon and Beyond.” 

Where:  OCC-Portland Ballroom 254

When:  Sunday, July 13, 2008, 4:15 p.m.

Why:  To liberate the law.