MPAA head Valenti will pass torch to former Congressman

July 2, 2004

Although after 40 years of Valenti we were ready to see him step down, I don't know if a former Congressman will be much of a comfort to those of us interested in technology. Dan Glickman, former representitive of Kansas (D), native of Witchita, is taking the reins. Did I mention his son makes Jackie Chan movies?

"As America's most wanted export, the American movie is also a great source of economic growth," Glickman said in a press release. "I am eager to begin working closely with my new colleagues at MPAA, here and abroad, with the Congress, the federal government, state legislatures, with officials of nations on all the continents, as well as the global creative community."

Glickman has some familial ties to Hollywood. His son, Jonathan, has produced more than 20 films, including the Jackie Chan comedies Shanghai Noon and Rush Hour and Nia Vardalos' Connie and Carla.

Yeah, those
were some real knee slappers. By the way, he's a lawyer. Glickman served as director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Whilst in Congress, Glickman was a member of the House Judiciary Committee and a member of the Copyright and Intellectual Property Subcommittee.

"He will be a powerful, successful steward of the MPAA," Valenti said in a statement.

I'm trying to keep a positive attitude, but it isn't easy. Comments welcome.

Source: Wired