Mission and Purpose
The Pirate Party’s goal is to change laws that are compromising copyrights and the rights to privacy. They believe in complete freedoms of speech and openness, free from censorships, wire-tapping, and the inability to be anonymous. In reference to privacy laws, they hope to gain the same rights as their parents did 40 years ago (TEDxTalks). Those rights including, not being virtually monitored or tracked on the Internet and postal service. Ultimately, they want to be able to send information or letters on the Internet or by postal with ease and comfort of privacy, because 40 years ago this sort of tracking did not exist to such an extent.
As for in the United States, The pirate movement also believes in eliminating the current welfare system and creating higher taxes but with a minimum income assurance, meaning that every person is given enough money to live off of. “This forces businesses to compete against the government and treat their employees well, as well as give them a decent wage. It also prevents any person from starving, going without healthcare, reduces violence and break-ins significantly” (McCrea).
Their message is based on the idea of politics of protest, protesting to change the status quo. One can compare their missions of protest similar to those like the Greens who wanted to protest pollution and Liberals who protested the royal’s overbearing power control on the church. These protests and movements became established politics and policy makers all because they turned something into an ideology, similar to the Pirate Party (TEDxTalks).
History
The Pirate Party originated in Sweden by founder Rickard Falkvinge on January 1, 2006, originally being named “Piratpartiet.” Non-supporters had giving them the name of ‘pirates’, in hopes of shaming them from the idea that they like sharing and copying (TEDxTalks). Falkvinge expresses that he became a politician by talking about politics in a pub and later increasing to a political leader that has parties present in over 50 countries.
Upon creating the party, Falkvinge saw three objections he had from the European Government in 2005. First off, there was the software patents debate in parliament that would criminalize knowledge. Secondly, there was copyright monopoly harshening in Sweden. And lastly, the data retention direction in Sweden, which would make all cellular phones contain tracking devices issued by the government (TEDxTalks).
The first steps Rickard Falkvinge took to starting the Pirate Party was making a manifesto on an online chat of a mere few sentences. Within his first day, the party consisted of about 300 activists and supporters. At this point in the creation of the party, elections for the European Parliament of 2006 were only eight months away. There was increase in support and activisms within those months and they received .68% in the first election. However, due to the lack of funds, Falkvinge was forced to beg for money and donations, ultimately being chastised by non-supporters and tabloids. For the reelections 18 months later, the Pirate party received 7.13% votes and gained two seats in the European Parliament (TEDxTalks).
Specializations and activities
The official Pirate Party can be broken up into different sections depending on location and region around the World. This allows organization and ease when planning meetings or gatherings because people and members are relatively close together. Pirate Party International (PPI), a non-governmental organization founded in 2010, helps to connect the party together even at such a large spectrum (PP International). It reinforces guidelines and communication, as well as promoting the cause, for all Pirate Parties internationally. The PPI bridges the gap for all Pirate Parties and can help establish new local parties in select countries. Pirate Party members are extremely diversified, coming from different backgrounds, allowing the ability for deliberation within the group possible and accessible. There are currently 29 active members from five continents that assist to the needs and run the PPI organization (PP International). Within the members, there is a board of directors who deliberate on issues regarding the organization and external issues manages the PPI.
The United States also has many local parties of pirates. They can be labeled as the United States Pirate National Committee (PNC) and then categorized more within states individually through membership. The PNC originated with the mindset of bringing the United States parties together, similar to the PPI. By having a centralized organization and committee, they can have collaborating and deliberation between local state parties and promote events properly.
Within the PNC, there are also different levels of membership, member and observer states. Member states have established parties with delegates who attend the National Committee meetings. Members are authorized to have complete voting privileges at deliberations and have the authority to approve new members by a majority vote. Observer States are encouraged to attend national committee meetings but do not posses the same status as member states. Observer states can eventually gain membership but must establish an organization with enough activists and members. (United States Pirate Party).
Participation Selection
Participation in Pirate parties is voluntary, anyone can join. The best way to get involved is to sign up at one of the Pirate Parties websites, chat, contribute, or through social media. Some Pirate parties offer Student Internships, where students can get college credit for helping their pirate party. If you wish to ask them a question you can email them asking them about anything you like.
Deliberation, Decisions, and Public Interaction
Just like any other organization, Pirate Parties through out the world hold meetings via web chat where people can bring their ideas for the Pirate Parties forum, government crowd sourcing, platform, website, and campaigns. They have a public forum for new participants to introduce themselves to other participants. Find out about current events and get links to articles and commentary.
The meetings forum includes the months meeting agenda, and any other issues that need to be addressed. The political council forum is for extra meeting discussions on topics like civil liberties write up, privacy write up, protecting free culture, and democratic engagement. Along with other forums for decision making for standing committees, projects, parties, local events, and records/archives.
Influence, Outcome, and Effects
Issues they hope to tackle are copyright law. Reinforce and protect fair dealing. Decriminalize non-commercial sharing and to limit copyright to commercial use of a product. Pirate parties believe the internet is a invaluable good, and hope to resist any censorship, and regulation of the internet. Part of their belief is that they feel this is a violation of our First Amendments rights, to be protected from having their mail read, especially over the internet. They seek to reform Election and Lobbying laws, limiting the amount of power and money politicians can receive in private donations. Tackling direct democracy and participation, without the fear of repression. Supports social economic justice and the value of the little people over large corporations the 1%.
Analysis and Criticism
Pirate Parties have been known for their lack of solid Platform and coherence in sticking to policies. As well as admitting to having gaps in their resources, people worry they may be connected to neo-Nazi National Democratic Parties. People in Hollywood don't believe that there is anything noble about pirate parties or pirate bay, because they illegally steal copyright content and accept money for what they do.
Secondary Sources
McCrea, T. (2012, October 17). Email Interview
TEDxTalks. “TEDxObserver - Rick Falkvinge - The Pirate Party - the politics of protest.” YouTube. Web. March 21, 2012.
PP International. 2010. <http://www.pp-international.net/>
United States Pirate Party. <http://pirate-party.us/about>
External Links
http://www.calpirateparty.org/index.html
http://www.businessinsider.com/pirate-party-germany-elections-2012-4?op=1
Notes
Pirate Party International Co-Chairman Email: [email protected]
Travis McCrea Email: [email protected]