These days Senator Arlen Specter seems to be on a war path with the NFL in his crosshairs. I already wrote about his meddling with the NFL and Spy Gate, as well as his poor decision to bring the Birds in on the matter. I also like the angle taken over at Attytood about why Specter is going after the NFL with Spy Gate (hint, it has to do with campaign donations--big surprise!).
Well the theory advanced by Attytood got another boost today. The WaPo writes about a bill Specter introduced this week that would allow places of worship to show football games on big screens. A House version of the bill will be introduced by former Skins QB Rep. Heath Shuler (R-Ga.).
Apparently, the NFL sent letters to churches planning congregational gatherings which were to show the big game on a big screen. The letters said that such gatherings violated copyright laws and threatened legal action. Federal copyright law exempts restaurants/bars from showing NFL games to large audiences on large screens, however, churches are not exempt. To fix the situation, this bill would effectively treat houses of worship like houses of spirits.
I honestly have no opinion about the merits of the bill. Catholic churches don't really show football games, so it would not affect me in any way (we Catholics will stick to our bingo games, thank you very much!). Moreover, the law is the law, so if federal statutes are in place to protect the copyright interests of the NFL, then so be it. And, no matter what happens, I am sure padre will continue to make the joke that we should make every Sunday a 'Super Sunday.'
I just find it fascinating that Specter keeps going after the NFL. I don't feel bad for the NFL, but doesn't this guy have anything better to do than make sure synagogues aren't making money off of showing the Super Bowl? Don't we have some time until the next Super Bowl to deal with this as opposed to piling on to the NFL? Senator Specter, please stop or next year all we will have to watch around this time of the year is the Puppy Bowl.
Well the theory advanced by Attytood got another boost today. The WaPo writes about a bill Specter introduced this week that would allow places of worship to show football games on big screens. A House version of the bill will be introduced by former Skins QB Rep. Heath Shuler (R-Ga.).
Apparently, the NFL sent letters to churches planning congregational gatherings which were to show the big game on a big screen. The letters said that such gatherings violated copyright laws and threatened legal action. Federal copyright law exempts restaurants/bars from showing NFL games to large audiences on large screens, however, churches are not exempt. To fix the situation, this bill would effectively treat houses of worship like houses of spirits.
I honestly have no opinion about the merits of the bill. Catholic churches don't really show football games, so it would not affect me in any way (we Catholics will stick to our bingo games, thank you very much!). Moreover, the law is the law, so if federal statutes are in place to protect the copyright interests of the NFL, then so be it. And, no matter what happens, I am sure padre will continue to make the joke that we should make every Sunday a 'Super Sunday.'
I just find it fascinating that Specter keeps going after the NFL. I don't feel bad for the NFL, but doesn't this guy have anything better to do than make sure synagogues aren't making money off of showing the Super Bowl? Don't we have some time until the next Super Bowl to deal with this as opposed to piling on to the NFL? Senator Specter, please stop or next year all we will have to watch around this time of the year is the Puppy Bowl.
And that's the triple-truth, Ruth!
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