Friday, January 23, 2015

Pete Perry asks why Hollywood controls Jim Hood.

Pete Perry submitted this guest column about Jim Hood:

The North Koreans helped expose a lot of embarrassing emails from Sony Pictures executives ridiculing stars such as Adam Sandler and Angelina Jolie.

What you may not know is that they also exposed Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood’s secret back room deals with Big Hollywood. The emails show Hood is taking his legal cues from none other than the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Verge reports Jim Hood's ties to Hollywood.

Within the treasure trove of hacked Sony emails…MPAA lawyers have such control of our elected Attorney General that he actually was willing to send a letter placing legal demands on Google (MPAA’s adversary) that was drafted by MPAA’s counsel and virtually unchanged by Hood. In other words, Jim Hood seems to be in the pocket of Hollywood and MPAA.

Why? Why on earth would Jim Hood side with Hollywood? 

What’s in it for him? 

Is he looking for a client after he leaves public office? 

Did Hollywood give him thousands of dollars of campaign contributions? 

He claims companies like Google may be helping piracy on the Internet. Is he concerned that people are actually posting songs on their YouTube videos and this is a copyright infringement? Congress actually addressed this issue a few years ago with SOPA and PIPA http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Online_Piracy_Act. But both were voted down by a bipartisan coalition in Congress largely because Americans have a bias for free speech. If he were just trying to keep children safe from bad actors on the Internet, I would support him; however, it appears for some strange reason he is willing to act as Hollywood’s very own Attorney General.

Most Americans are big fans of free expression on the Internet. The Internet does not need big brother government mucking up one of the fastest growing job creators in the country.

Hood has a reputation of being one of Mississippi’s toughest elected officials. One of his best campaign ads portrays him as a good old boy working in his garage. He’s a man’s man. No one tells him what to do. Right?

Who would have ever thought that the North Koreans would uncover Hollywood executives barking orders at Jim Hood? And, worse, Jim Hood obeying their directives.  He can claim he is right about Google, but I, for one, am embarrassed our Attorney General could be controlled by anyone, much less by Hollywood.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm no fan of Jim Hood. He [allegedly] funnels business to his cronies, claims he can't/won't prosecute [alleged] wrongdoers because they're like "family," [allegedly] threatens companies with criminal charges if they refuse civil settlements, and who knows [allegedly] what else.

But good grief, Pete. Get a clue on how the big boys fight policy battles at the federal level in the new millennium. State officials are routinely asked to join letters or send pre-drafted letters supporting some party's position on an issue, particularly now that national associations for the various state-level officials have raised their profiles.

There are plenty of legitimate reasons to beat up on Hood without grasping for straws like this.

Jim Hood = bad.
Jim Hood's letter backing the MPAA = just another day in Policyland.

Anonymous said...

The link to the verge article is not working.

Kingfish said...

Try it now.

Anonymous said...

What the drunk drivin', race baitin', vote buyin' Pete Perry won't tell you (but knows full well) is that Republicans do exactly the same:

Republicans [allegedly] funnels business to their cronies, Republicans claims they can't/won't prosecute [alleged] wrongdoers because they're like "family," Republicans [allegedly] threaten companies with criminal charges if they refuse civil settlements, and who knows [allegedly] what else Republicans do.

Anonymous said...

Pete must have cashed in some annuities recently because he seems to have way too much time on his hands.

This attack on the lone state wide Dem is about as obviously bubba pandering as makin the Holy Beye'ble the official book of MS.

You do your best smear jobs behind the scenes Pete--this subject is too complicated for you to comprehend.

Anonymous said...

Perry's Pot calls Hood's Kettle black? ROFLMAO Outside of the rapidly dying off group of aging white GOPers in NEJackson Pete Perry has no constituency and even less credibility.

Anonymous said...

Is Pete as equally interested to know why so many clients of the Barbour influence peddlers are getting contracts from the Republican Brownback administratin in Kansas?

Anonymous said...

Don't care who brought it to light, it is what it is and the facts back that up. Glad someone is calling him out. HIS letter was almost word for word what their lobbyist sent him. If that's not a problem to you, there's some soul searching that needs to go on.

Anonymous said...

this should be no surprise that Jim Hood wants to sue Google. He has a long history of working with his trial lawyer buddies to help them make big money. I guess he picked the Hollywood studios over Google on this one. And i am sure they have better lawyers, so Hood I am sure thinks he is saving the State money by regurgitating their legalese.

Anonymous said...

Don't care who brought it to light but Haley Barbour's lobbying for abusive dictatorships like that in Kazakhstan and Gambia is what it is and the facts back that up. If that's not a problem to you, there's some soul searching that needs to go on.

Anonymous said...

1152, maybe true, don't know other than your claim. But this thread was about specific, identified misuse of state government law enforcement duties by an elected official. You might not like Barbour (or Perry for that matter) but Barbour's lobbying is as an individual. He is not using my tax dollars, suing a private company in order to try to force a settlement between two private companies by threatening the use of his criminal authorities.

Don't like Barbour and who he lobbies for? Then right it up and post it. Frankly, I'm glad that Hood has been brought out for his misuse of his 'current', 'public office'. Neither of which apply to your attempt at a reply.

Anonymous said...

"Brought out" for misuse? BFD. Perry is only barfing up a story that has already been in the press for a month.

Find Our Voice said...

Kingfish! Stop it! Please use your usual screen name when posting. Um-thanks.

Your Stupid Voice said...

6:40 PM! Stop it! Please. He does use his screen name when posting. Um-thanks.

Anonymous said...

This really does seem to be much ado about nothing.

First of all, piracy is a legitimate concern.

Secondly, the State of Mississippi does want to continue to attract the film industry so supporting a legitimate concern of that industry seems actually rather smart.

And, last, it's hardly a shocker that industries support the campaigns of those they feel will support them on some issues or to buy a " listen".

This is getting too close to those posts on FB telling those who don't understand "impeachment" that Obama will be arrested for crimes and is going to jail. They don't get he has to be impeached first and then the odds of a pardon are extremely high unless he's caught with a bloody knife in his hand after a murder!

There is nothing unusual or sinister about this , Pete and you know it.

I think Hood is unsuited for the job he has but this isn't how to demonstrate that.





Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.