Free Culture

This is not entirely youth related, but it hits a topic that is only second to youth organizing in my heart and head - free culture and technology. Lawrence Lessig, founder of the Creative Commons movement and author of some indespensible books like Free Culture (which helped spawn the student Free Culture Movement) and the Future of Ideas just launched a new website - Lessig 08 - to explore a run for Congress in a special election to replace the late Rep. Tom Lantos.

After 10 years fighting for an open internet and sane copyright laws that encourage innovation and embrace remix culture, Lessig is now dedicating the next 10 years of his life to tackling the problem of corruption in government. A seat in the House of Representatives would be an amazing platform for Professor Lessig in his new fight against corruption, and will bring sorely needed knowledge about how the internets actually works to Congress (hint: it's not a series of tubes).

He's raising money now through Act Blue. Once I get my next paycheck I'll probably throw him $25.

And of course, what would anything Lessig be without the requisite power point presentation:

For your afternoon viewing pleasure. And if you've missed it, YouTube is planning to depose both Stewart and Colbert in their case against Viacom.

• Check out this site by a 16 (17?) year old who is creating a documentary about young voters. His site even has some good podcasts. I'm 18 in 08.
• Barack Obama is holding "Camp Obamas" to train supporters in the basics of canvassing, phone banking, etc. So far 1,500 supporters have signed up, a majority of which are young voters.
• The Political Polling Blog offers yet another roundup of the Harvard IOP report. It's got some good tactical advice for local campaigns on reaching young voters.
• The Free Culture movement is having a conference at Harvard this week. If you're in Boston, you should definitely check it out. Registration is free.