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The Europeans are much more interested in blaming the messenger. If they want to change their laws, they should target the music publishers.

John,

Thank you for that sweeping statement slating an entire continent.

This European knows all to well the power of the record industry to dictate the means of distribution of its product. However, perhaps Apple hasn't communicated this info on DRM as effectively as it could - I hadn't appreciated a lot of the content of Steve's article.

First, I don't consider the UK part of Europe. (I'm half British and I wouldn't want to be lumped in with the continent.) Second, I was talking about the (western) European governments, who like to proclaim that they are creating some kind of socialist utopia, but at the same time are unwilling to address real issues - whether economic, or social, or political (like Iraq - after all it's a lot easier to give lip-service to a situation like Darfur rather than to actually get engaged in an ongoing battle for the future - and lives - of 20 million people). In terms of the music industry, it's much easier to attack a very visible symbol than address underlying causes.

[All in all, I think the problems with Europe are due to the limitations of a Parliamentary system of government (with the UK maybe just being contrary on principle), just as the problems with the US are due to the limitations of a two-party system. I think the ideal form of government is probably the military junta.]

OK, fair point John - thanks for responding.

Best wishes