Bootlegs for the Troops
“If I were younger, maybe I’d be spending time in the hoosegow.”
The New York Times tells the incredible story of 92-year-old WWII vet Hyman Strachman and his unique effort to support the troops by bootlegging thousands of Hollywood DVDs and sending them to troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Strachman duplicates the disks in his Long Island, NY apartment using a professional duplicating machine and estimates that he’s sent over 300,000 disks overseas since starting making copies to fill time after the death of his wife in 2003.
More from the Times:
Mr. Strachman has never ripped a movie from a store-bought DVD and does not even know how; rather, he bought bootlegged discs for $5 in Penn Station before finding a dealer closer to home, at his local barbershop. Those discs were either recordings made illegally in theaters or studio cuts that had been leaked.
Maybe Mr. Strachman doesn’t have any grandchildren or great-grandchildren who can teach him how to download movies online using the Pirate Bay and BitTorrent. The article also doesn’t comment or speculate on the quality of Hyman’s copies ‚but anyone who’s bought DVDs on the street knows that quality control can be an issue. Those copies of The Artist (a movie not yet released on DVD here in the States) might have been shot with an iPhone from the front row of a movie theater.
Let’s hope Hollywood lawyers don’t start hassling Strachman for violating copyright law. His efforts to relieve boredom on the front is probably one of the great mental health initiatives of modern warfare.
Instead, why don’t the movie studios, TV networks and music companies take a cue from Hyman and start loading up portable hard drives with entertainment and sending them around the world? They could work with the USO to handle distribution. It’s not that hard. Men and women serving in the field would probably even be willing to put up with a little digital rights management if that makes the lawyers feel better.
In the meantime, props to Big Hy. Check out the full story for an amazing slideshow and audio of Strachman talking about his project.
![Der Gro?mufti von Jerusalem [Amin al Husseini] bei den bosnischen Freiwilligen der Waffen-SS. Der Gro?mufti ist auf dem Truppenubungsplatz ein[getroffen] und schreitet die Front der angetretenen Freiwilligen mit erhobenem Arm ab.](http://images-undertheradar.military.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/nazicollaborators300.jpg)
Under the Radar is commentary. We don’t report the news; we offer our take on what happened.
118 Comments
Good cause or not, the guy’s a criminal.
Shut up man…what a db
Your retort is beyond debatable. What an articulate individual. By letter of the law the man is a criminal. Did I say he should be arrested? No. However please tell me how he is not a criminal. If I illegally send moonshine to the troops is that okay because it is “for the troops and good for morale?”
Simple minded people.
Me thinks you my friend are an idiot one who has never severed your country! You are the type of person who wants your freedoms but willo never stand up to keep them! As a Vietnam vet I would of loved to have been able to set back and watch a movie from time to time be it pirated or not!
Obviously Kevin, you’ve never served a day in your life in the military! Yu being allowed to post moronic statements is truly criminal!
Chris,
Name calling and indefensible assertions are the lowest form of discourse. It only shows that you are not intelligent enough to form a logical/rational argument. I hope you didn’t serve…you’d likely be the type who would videotape yourself urinating on the enemy.
I however, did serve, for 26 years. Including two wars (or psuedo-wars, since Congress never formally declared a war, a concept I’m sure you don’t understand).
I happen to agree on the legal and logical/rational level with Kevin. He is correct, no matter how you try to deflect his argument with knee jerk emotions. Others below also show how the actions of Mr. Strachman can actually be harmful.
That said, on the emotional level you have to applaud Mr. Strachman. Perhaps he should have turned his efforts towards legally obtaining donated DVDs. The USO already does this. I never deployed to a combat zone where there weren’t plenty of movies available to watch.
’nuff said…stop being a moron.
Ed, where did you manage to store your DVD player during ops? Aparently you forgot that DVDs are a “new” thing to those of us that thought audio tapes were the future. We were lucky to see one “movie” a week and those were television shows that had been recorded on film, yes film.
Ed,
At what point did Chris even call anyone out? For someone to point fingers & claim they are observant, you have adamantly failed. We can all agree & salute your service, but yet wince at your elitist attitude as you undo it all with your disregard for detail.
Yes, Kevin has an eye for the obvious. A redundant voice to be be first in line. Where instead of being poignant, he instead chooses to uses instant inflammatory on-liners.
In a much longer list list of unethical, bloody, torrid horrors that politicians have sent you, I & countless others into, I would think that the sins of Mr. Strachman are far less damning than what what they conjured up or seemingly the feigned honor of Kevin.
Kevin your sure a ******* more likely too you’ve never been in the service
I was in SWA and the movie studios do provide copies of new releases to show to the troops. I watched some of them while I was over there. WW II vet or not, Mr. Strachman needs to stop. The studios are taking care of the troops! These bootleg copies are not left in SWA, they are being brought back to the States. I have friend in SAG and along with them, I am ****** over how bootlegging is hurting the industry. Please tell this man to stop NOW!
I was in Iraq and I never saw the entertainment industry show us anything except there was one concert that I couldn’t attend because I was on duty. The only relief was bootleg copies that were readily available. There wasn’t even a place to watch tv. It may be illegal, but I thank him for what he is doing.
What i want to know is when hollywood and the church is going to pay my family back for the use of god and jesus. My family dates back to being relatives to both so wheres my heavenly pay from them and thr book called the bible and all the other books that uses my family names in vain
When i was in heaven god didnt care about bootlegging so why should we care here. In fact its more beneficial for the actors and actresses because they become more popular. Look at God and Jesus no one is paying them or their families for use of their names
MANY, MAAAAANY THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED.
!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU FOLKS ROCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I consider the fact that I bought music on 45s and LP (those are what was called “wax” format), then along can tape cartridge format, then cassette format, then CD format, and now blu-ray, I have to ask who the real thieves are.
I paid for their “intellectual property” while they were alive, now some estate lawyer can sue me or put me in prison if I download the same music I bought 40 years ago on a record simply because it’s in a different format?
Seems somebody is looking for permanent income off very little work here.
Finally Someone out there who knows what crime really is.
(and before you reply, I was spit on and called names when I returned to the states from Vietnam) On a serious discussion about who is or is not a criminal, think way back when our ancestors came here and “discovered America” and decided to remove the population that was already here.
When I was in the only USO thing we saw was a stand manned by men from our crew — and all they did was change money.
Remember you can get 5 years in prison for illegally downloading Micheal Jackson — but only 3 years for killing him.
“Let’s hope Hollywood lawyers don’t start hassling Strachman for violating copyright law. His efforts to relieve boredom on the front is probably one of the great mental health initiatives of modern warfare”–I don’t agree. This was stealing. Middle income professionals in the entertainment industry are the ones who suffer from thievery such as this. It shows poor judgement and a lack of ethical conduct…and is illegal. I understand why he did what he did…but, everything has a “reason”. There is no excuse for stealing here…
http://www.lineofdeparture.com/2012/04/29/an-open-letter-to-john-mchugh/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lineofdeparturemilitarydotcom+%28The+Line+of+Departure+from+Military.com%29
Uh, I fail to make the DIRECT connection about how middle income professionals suffer from the “thievery”. Maybe you can shed some light on the issue. Notice how I typed “direct” in capital letters.
So the loss must be direct? Fair enough, as I used the word. First, loss of royalties. That is DIRECT. Royalties would be compensation…I say this, because it clearly was not obvious to you. I don’t like having my product stolen. Second, as pre-release bootlegs flourish, at-the-door ticket sales fall…revenue falls…studios produce less or produce at lower cost (think low budget)…they cut overhead by limiting the involvement of the middle-income professionals that MAKE the movies. Not the big stars. Third, it hurts the theatre industry DIRECTLY. It is a non-taxed alternative to taxable services…depriving communities DIRECTLY of needed revenue. Finally, and just for the heck of it, it’s illegal. Period. I saw lots of movies while deployed…all legally provided. Great for morale.
Now, I’m not saying to crucify this man…this vet acting in what he believes to be the best interest of vets, but this is illegal. Stealing is wrong. It causes real harm.
Hey, wait…I didn’t use the word direct. Hmmm…you know that the harm need not be direct, but foreseeable? Yes? You apparently wanted clarification or example or else you are unethical and support illicit behavior. Is there a third option? Did you follow my provided link for a related discussion on Line of Departure? Mr. Prine is better than me at articulating why, in an industry related to his, the theft of intellectual property is a bad thing.
In regards to WRG01, just exactly how are at the door tickets sales going to fall by this gentleman sending bootlegs to troops overseas. Last I checked AMC didn’t have any theaters in Iraq, Afghanistan or similar locations. I can attest to my own experiences of buying bootlegs in Iraq, horrible quality but good movies, so when I came home I went out and bought a legit copy so I had the quality.
Now is his actions illegal by the letter of the law? Yes.
Spirit of the law? absolutely not.
Really? SHUT UP! you narrow minded idiot. Its called ethics and his are intact. As far as I am concerned you are more worried about the profits of Hollywood, than the incredible boost this give soldiers who protect your sacrosanct laws. Maybe if Hollywood would dig a little into its pockets and do something on its own, a 98 yea old MAN wouldn’t have too.
Shame on you. Sad Sad little man.
Can I send weed to the troops because even though it’s illegal it is under the guise of “good for morale?”
Simpletons.
To forgo capitalist rights for the benefit of troops putting their life on the line? Are you really that obtuse? And you have the nerve to call others “Simpletons.”??
Sending weed, liquor or any other mind-altering chemical (that would only hamper them in the performance of their duties) would not only be illegal, but undermine their efforts in accomplishing the mission objective.
I am so sick of every corporate-minded individual keeping an eye open for exploiting every opportunity to financially capitalize on the horrendous event of a wartime effort, and every narrow minded lackey supporting that viewpoint because corporate lobbyists “made it a law”.…while the whole lot of them forget the risk our people are taking out there.
Next time you see an amputee at the VA young enough to be your kid, or another coffin get carried off a military cargo plane — go ask yourself if the royalties you could have got from them was worth the price they paid for you.
Dan, great comment from another Dan. All people in this country, not just Hollywood need to quit worring so much about lining their F****** pockets. Like those people don’t already make enough money. Just like most working people in this country have to save up or take out a loan just to take our children to a ball game. All these people need to make a hundred million dollars, YEAH RIGHT!
Waiting to get home to see the movies is not a bad idea. When the vets come home and cannot find jobs, because of the Obama administration’s inaptness, they will have at least something to do with their free time.
wow I never thought anyone in the Entertainment industry as “middle income”. Is he really stealing from these starving people? If he went and bought final cuts on production DVDs then yes it would be stealing, but he uses sometimes poor quality versions he buys from a source. does he sell them (didn’t say). Let this 92 year old Vet alone. The movie industry makes billions off movies they made for a million, every time you watch a John Wayne movie on TV the industry makes money. This Vet knows something some of you don’t know, and that is how much a soldier needs to unwind and cool down, if these DVDs are helping these men GREAT!! I don’t think the “middle income” people will feel the need to sell their $150million homes in the near future.
oh my-MY—poor starving actors/actresses–oh i mean “middle income professionals in the entertainment industry” ***who most likely make 3 to 4 times as much as my brothers & sisters in arms are~~not to mention probably 5 to 10 times more than my MILITARY RETIREMENT after 20 YEARS of having the HONOR to DEFEND & PROTECT the CONSTITUTION of the USA…now THERE’S an utter DISGRACE !!!! —- :( utilize the current president’s policy and have the one’s that make a BILLION dollars furnish the “less fortunate” one’s — or have some of the way OVERPAID ‘professional” athletes chip in a few MILLION or so.…… but that’s all ok.…..current pres. policy will have us all down the the same income bracket before 2 long~~~~
When I served we didn’t have DVD’s; cassettes were just coming in. My mother learned how to tape and I would eventually get a package of “bootleg” music tapes. I shared them with all my friends so she started making extras maybe as many as ten at a time. According to WRG01 my mom should have been arrested.
Yes, it is a theft Mr. Strachman is perpetrating here. BUT let’s remember, your ability to ***** about this “crime” is because of the young men and women giving their all for you and this country. So I think we can allow them to receive some crappy grainy videos of current movies that they may never see otherwise.
I’m a cop and not sure if this actually constitutes theft. In Texas a theft is defined as ” an INTENT to defraud”. I hardly think this mans INTENT was to defraud anyone. Cops have to assault people all the time. Assaulting someone is against the law, but when we do it in defense of ourselves or others it is justified as long as it is reasonable. What this man is doing is REASONABLE and HONORABLE.
This guy is a WW2 vet, and in my eyes a hero. Nothing wrong with what he did, millions, if not billions access music and videos online for free everyday. One man doing it for the troops is just another bonus. God bless him.
What you don’t know is that bootlegged DVDs and CDs are already being sold there. So whats the point? Maybe some of the Hollywood lawyers should make a trip there and present their case. Could become the basis for a new action movies. SEALSs and SF rescure kidnapped lawyers. Yea Right.
Exactly.… What this man is doing is nothing that isn’t already being done over seas !! The troops can pay the foriegn and supply them money they don’t need from us or this gentlemen can do it for free for our troops.
good point. but the lawyers or the entertainment crybabies don’t have the balls to step up and stand on the line. For once let someone do something for our military without some people protesting .
The true shame of the story is that the movie industry is not sending the movies over there for free. They make millions in America but don’t provide the troops that protect them free copies. Now that is a crime
Agree.
Ditto. Lets see past this name calling and see it for what it is. I am so tired of how Hollywood thinks they are cool but in reality they are out of it. I would say for the exceptional few like Tillman that lost his life after giving up his career. How many of Hollywood/musicians do that. Well my friends, back in World War II, when our above hero served, there were many that GAVE up careers to fight. Baseball players that WILLINGLY stepped up to the plate (no pun intended) to serve their country and risk their lives. CAPT Glen Miller did just that, as one example and there were many more.
I agree completely!
I agree with Chris…When I was deployed in 05–06 in Iraq, the hodgies where selling bootleg movies on post.
Yes, they may be grainy copies filmed in a theater, or preview copies which change from color to black and white halfway through, but at least we were able to watch the latest and greatest movie that we would have had to wait a year or more to see. It kept us entertained and gave us a piece of home.
It would have been nice to receive these copies for free instead of handing cash over to Iraqis who may, or may not, have good intentions to use it for.
Keep up the great work Mr. Strachman, the movie companies make plenty of money with $10+ per ticket to see it in a theater. I think they can handle losing a few pennies to entertain the troops.
“It would have been nice to receive these copies for free instead of handing cash over to Iraqis who may, or may not, have good intentions to use it for.”.…So, you paid for bootlegged movies believing that the money may be used for nefarious activities? Your desire to see a grainy, off-colour movie…illegally obtained.…was so great that it outweighed what you admit to as contributing to the possible support of elements within Iraq that have “bad intentions”? Wow. You basically, in your own words, admit the possibility of supporting persons and interests in Iraq with bad intentions solely because you just had to watch an illegally obtained movie. I really do not know what to say. As a former NCO, I am disgusted. As someone involved with counter-IED warfare, I am aghast…
Read more: http://undertheradar.military.com/2012/04/bootlegs-for-the-troops/#ixzz1tj7ByBGs
Under the Radar
What you just said is completely ********. Just because you pay taxes that help fund welfare that people who collecting it use the money to buy drugs mean that you support the illegal drug trade in America? No. If you go to a store to buy something and the owner uses some of the money he made from you to buy a gun and murder people does that make you an accessory to murder? No. Pull the stick out of your *** you uptight *****. It’s a bootleg DVD get over it.
I’ll bet if Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and all of the USO enterainers of WW II, Korea and Vietnam were alive they would be donating DVD’s to the troops.
How about Hollywood stepping up?
Yes…donating. Great idea. Beats stealing.
Yoda, they are. The USO tours, if you’re lucky enough to see them are amazing. While I was there, I saw Robin Williams, Toby Keith, Kid Rock, Brittney Murphy, Neal McCoy and Leann Womak to name a few.
Just to make a point.….The troops watching these movies will never go to the theatre to PAY and watch these movies becuase there too busy protecting our FREEDOM.…So how does this hurt hollywood in anyway???
The point is that if they watch the movie or not noone is hurt.…not even POOR Hollywood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
So according to your logic, any law I see that in my opinion harms no one I am free to break?
HUGE Difference here between making a point of not harming hollywood to help our troops and basically you going around that and trying to say that i want people to break the law for whatever reason as long as it doesnt hurt anyone.
Please remember that without our troops you would NOT have the freedom to have made that comment.
You are truly ignorant!!!
Well, I’m a veteran of Afghanistan so I feel free to state my opinion. There is no difference. You simply said that because it hurts no one it is fine to break the law. Regardless whether you feel a law is just or not, it is still the law. Plenty of folks feel Marijuana should be legal as it harms no one. Does that give them the right to smoke it despite the fact it is illegal? It is you who are ignorant as you can not see the validity of the comparison.
I never said the guy should be arrested or anything, simply that he is in fact breaking the law.
Ignorance is saying that Smoking marijuana is equal to bootlegging movies for troops to watch.
If i watch a bootleg movie than go drive my car or operate heavy machinery will it have the same effect that marijuana will have if I do the same things after smoking a joint?
Again I said that bootlegging movies to send to troops is fine with me. I never said breaking other laws was ok.
Ignorance is also putting words in other peoples mouths just so you can post on this topic.
Ah, like putting words in my mouth implying I said it’s okay to smoke a joint and drive? I’m simply pointing out it’s a spectrum… You’re fine with breaking that law, others are fine at other points along that spectrum. According to the law it’s wrong to bootleg movies… Am I wrong?
Really? are you just plain stupid.…..did you really compare smoking pot to bootlegging movies.….please dont reply because I just lost 10 points on my IQ just by talking to you.
P.S. everyone is now dumber for listening to what Kevin had to say.
Did I compare it? Or did I say breaking laws was a spectrum with smoking Marijuana further down the spectrum that bootlegging? Oh yeah, that’s what I said. Reading comprehension not your strong suit? I’m sorry you lost IQ points as it doesn’t appear you had many to begin with :)
Biggah, you have a communication deficiency. It’s clear that you do not possess either the ethical fiber or devotion to nation that Kevin does. Kevin is not in support of throwing the book at this WWII vet, but neither is he advocating turning a blind eye to an illegal enterprise. If you can find the moral justification for ignoring established law (and code of conduct to which WE as service members and former service members adhere/adhered), then please share with the rest of us. Military service does not entitle one to pick and choose the laws with which we will comply. We did not serve to get special treatment. If one is so pathetic as to feel entitled to such preferential treatment, then maybe the underlying issue here is not just an ethical one, but calls into question a larger issue of manhood. Quite the warriors who cry foul because they can’t watch their bootlegged copy of Three Amigos while downrange.
Hi, My name is Kevin,
shmergle durgle koobah lappa, deepah robba konglaga coppa. urmmey flurma begogga melnaka pordie clorpy.
Am i wrong?
Wow, just admit you lack the ability to debate and move on. Emotional little princess aren’t ya? I’m assuming from this response you’re about what? 13?
I am actually now 9 yrs old after speaking to you.
Now your throwing gay slurs at me?
If I was a princess thats none of your business.….….I’ll bet you wear no sleeves to the gym so you can show your typical tribal tattoo and have dice hanging from your rear view mirror in your car!!! And all of your shirts are sized Extra Medium.….
hahahahaha
I made a gay slur where? That was meant to indicate you’re a drama queen is all. Anyway fromt he calibre of your retorts feel free to have the last word which I’m sure will be some intellectually stimulating words that will humble me :)
What the old guy did was wrong, plain and simple…his reason behind doing it was Honorable so instead of everyone writing on here some BS. how about writing Hollywood and ask them to send some movies over or better yet, get off your duff go buy one ans send it to a service member.……some of those fine men and women wont make it home to see the next big blockbuster.….just a few thoughts here.
When I was deployed we actually did receive movies that were still in theatres which was nice.
The last word is: Flanubbahdermakanobby or in your language, your and idiot!!!
Biggah, it’s “you’re” and idiot.
All I got to say is while I spent 12months in Iraq performing over 250 combat missions, bootlegged movies were one of the few luxuries we had. I didnt need weed or alcohol cuz it ruined my ability to react. But watching a good movie that only people 2,000 miles away can watch at a theatre, in my choo, helped me forget where I was ever so briefly. Something no soldier takes for granted. Illegal or not, it’s the LEAST someone can do for us. I risk my life. He risks getting in trouble. We’re even.
AMEN!!!
I spent 12months in Iraq. And these bootlegged movies helped mr forget where I was for hours on end. 250 combat missions and indirect fire on a weekly basis. I risk my life and he risks getting in trouble. Guys
Like him saved MY sanity. Doesn’t seem like much but it made all the difference to us. To him I say thanks
Yea brother I totally agree with you!
Naughty man
he deservrs a slap on his handsfor doing it ‚and a metal for doing it !!!!
god bless him
Lovely that they they broadcast it here on military.com
They will sue him into oblivion now.
Wow if it wasn’t for this man and his actions during WW2 we would not have the freedoms and laws we have today. Let him bootleg for our troops. Hollywood needs to dig deep into their pockets for our troop.
HOORAY FOR THIS GUY — HERE IS ONE JEW STICKING BACK TO THE HOLLYWOOD JEWS — MORE POWER TO HIM — F the liberal media establishment that make hundreds of billions making war movies and give NOTHING back to the troops or veterans
Thanks to everyone for there service
the troops like books also.
if you want to get involved go to
Operation Paperback
So WHY doesn’t hollywierd provide those movies for our troops? Is it because they are too busy pimping for OBAMA?
We provided movies for out troops in WW2, so now its costing some leftist movie stars some money?
Would any of you folks complaining about what this kindly old person does for the troops be willing to shell out the money needed to buy copies of these movies for the troops? I bet not. And as most of those troops are the fellas and gals not officer’s they are not likely to spend money buying those discs and having them shipped to them so NO ONE is losing money on possible purchases from them.
I am a writer. If any troop wanted copies of stuff I wrote I would gladly send it to them free of charge because they are doing something important and something I am no longer able to do.
No, the Hollywood people are the criminals for not providing these to the troops. Hollywood is anti-military unless they can make a personal fortune on as war movie. I worked there, I know what ****** they are.
Well James its a great story but I believe you’ve done more harm than good. The illegal video industry is uncontrolled in the Middle East and our troops can view those videos without worrying about copyright infringement. The acts of the elder veteran are notable but yes illegal and by making this public with your story you may have brought the authorities attention to an otherwise quiet end-ever. I would say that the part of theft also reigns in the (U.S.) movie industry. Just go see a movie and hit will hit you in the face. The average price for a movie is $8-$10 depending on location and if it 3-D. The cost of a popcorn and coke is around $8-$10 as well, so $16-$20 for a single person to catch a flick with snacks and a drink and “who is the thief”?
I’m incredibly flattered that you think Under the Radar is more widely read than the New York Times. Thanks!
I to am an Iraq vet. I have to admit that the old man is in the wrong for steeling but done so honorably for reasons only he will truly know. I personally have watch many of theses bootleg movies and truly have to say without them I would have gone insane during my free time. I happen to agree also and should not have to be told, that the movie industry would help out those who protect our way of living. Remember freedom is not free and applies to all here in the USA. It’s a sad day when we have to argue and or disagree on such a subject such as bootleg dvds sent to our troops. Not only are they putting there life on the line but are also feeling deep depression from being separated from there love ones. Sometimes the wrong is the right thing to do.
Some post are trying to compare bootleg to drugs. Really??? I have never herd of anyone getting addicted to bootleg dvds. The focus is and should be the welfare physically and mentally of our troops. 100% support. One should not have to be asked and or told do its part in this war (Movie Co’s). Still greed is probably the issue. I try to remember……why I am fighting, who am I fighting for. I could go on and on. My point being is “Sometimes the wrong is the right thing to do”. (Pirate)
Leave the guy alone.…
I’d like to know what anal-retentive decided to put it out there that he was “breaking the law”
We have politicians (real crooks) in Washington doing much worse every day, some even get caught, and no one ever goes to jail…!
So why barba-q some good spirited vet for trying to make life a little easier in the field.… shame
Well Thank God for small favors and nice old jewish men. I came up with a great way to solve the lost money for the guys in the “Industry” Instead of paying the 20 million to the hot shots in the movie Industry; Lets just pay them 19 million and put the 1 million in a fund so Big Hy can send all the DVD’s his little copier can crank out. The little guys still get paid the big guys still get paid and Hy can stop selling his hard earned stocks for money to pay for the DVD’s. And if the hot shots get worked up about it. Tell them to take a break from being overworked–ha-ha
When I was deployed during OIF1, the locals were selling the same thing everywhere. Selling discs with three movies on them, all pre release. At least this guy was saving the troops a few dollars. You know what should be criminal, 45 dollars for you, your wife and kid to go see a movie, get some popcorn and soda’s. Five dollar popcorn and $6.75 sodas, that should be criminal.
You have obviously not heard of the Traveling Terabyte project.
http://deviating.net/ttb/
Already being done.
Heeeeeeeeeey!!!
**** if you do and **** if you dont. HE may sick! or very lonely. Its wrong,but I think we should maybe all the guys that he may have help? Life and death of many at war or else where.
I guess the LORD will have his hand in this„„„„
Honestly…I don’t care about his doing the bootleg thng…the hadjis did it ON Military Bases during deployments…my problem is WHY would they do this story KNOWING that in the States, he can get in trouble!
This guy is violating over a dozen Customs laws by exporting copy right material in violation of Intellectual Property Rights Laws. I’m pretty sure that he will also be getting a call from the Motion Picture Association as well as the FBI. In law jargon this is called “Fruits from the Poisonous Tree”, he bought illegal copies and made illegal copies from those, it doesn’t matter, he’s still breaking the law. I commend his plight, but how about thinking of doing something more legally constructive in order to support the troops, he’s doing them a disservice by giving them bootleg material and implicating them. by receiving stolen material. Possession is nine tenths of the law, they definitely can not bring this back to the United States it would definitely get seized by Customs.
What are you talking about? Fruits of the poisonous tree deals with evidence that is obtained illegally.
Furthermore, I direct you to my post below. My unit performed a customs mission and they will most certainly not get seized.
What are you talking about? Fruits of the poisonous tree deals with evidence that is obtained illegally.
Furthermore, I direct you to my post below. My unit performed a customs mission and they will most certainly not get seized.
Whoops…
I was a combat paratrooper in Vietnam. I am now an attorney. The WWII veteran is breaking the law. There is NO need for him to do so. Amvets has had an Ongoing PROJECT SENDING DVDS to combatg areas. The veteran only steals stolen movies, but two wrongs never make a right. I agree with the sentiment that he should not have a need to make the copies. The movie industry should contribute the DVDs themselves. The reason they have the right and freedom to make movies is because every generation of Americans have fought for that right. Many have died and more have been wounded so the movie industry can make millions. The patiots have done so without complaint. Perhaps the movie industry should give something back. Tonight a soldier may watch a movie and tomorrow he may die so those of us back here on the home front have the freedom to speek our minds, even if that soldier did not agree with his opinion.
FREEDOM is Not Free
You guys are killing me. I tried to read through all of the posts before I replied, but I became quickly annoyed. I’m not sure if someone already brought this up, but seriously Kevin, get a clue.
I served two tours in Iraq and returned with A LOT of bootleg videos. They are readily available for $3 from most of the camps that our troops are at.
One of the missions my unit performed was customs. It was our job to go through EVERYTHING that was leaving the combat zone to ensure it meets USDA and Customs guidelines. I don’t recall the number (25 seems to stand out in my head), but our troops are allowed to have bootleg videos in their possession when leaving the theater of operations.
So, what’s the difference between sending drugs or alcohol vs sending bootleg videos? You tell me. Sending videos does increase morale and is harmless. When I say harmless, I mean that the use or overuse of bootleg videos does not increase the frequency of aggressive actions, does not increase the incidents of sexual assaults and there’s very little time lost due abuse.
I’m guessing that you are already aware of the effects of drugs and alcohol on the minds AND ACTIONS of the people using them. Not to mention the increased risk of dehydration. Oh, let’s not forget that it’s prohibited by General Order #1. So is pornography, so don’t get caught sending that either.
We have enough problems over there with the behavior of our troops, let’s not make it worse. I’m not saying we didn’t have it over there, but it was very hard to get. Let’s not make it any easier.
So, is he a criminal? Yeah, I guess he is. Should the justice department bust down his door and take him by force? **** no. I’m sure someone is currently in the process of writing him a cease and desist letter as we speak…if it hasn’t been done already.
Is Kevin a moron for choosing this venue to preach about Mr. Strachman?
I just hope, if he gets in trouble with the law, that the men and women that he brought joy to help him back with assisting with paying for a lawyer.
As a member of the armed forces, I, just like you, raised my hand and swore to defend the Constitution of the United States, the supreme LAW of the land. I didn’t ask for any freebies in return for my obligation; I swore to defend the law, and we are a nation of laws. Regardless of his motive or how much it may or may not impact the movie industry, he is repeatedly breaking a law created to prevent theft of another’s intellectual property. If this is fine, then it is fine to steal any copyrighted material, to copy trademarks with cheap knockoffs or to steal patents for inventions. While a single case or even thousands may seem trivial at a glance, the rights of individual ownership are keys to a democracy. Not saying he should be arrested given his motives, but he should stop; it is theft.
The question that everybody is over looking here is WHY IS MILITARY.COM writing about this in the first place? People are looking to this man as if is the crimnial for sending movies to the troops. So I guess it’s ok to go out on the street and buy it from a local with either American money or their money (which you had to use American money to exchange for) so they can go and buy weapons to turn on us as they have already done. I’m sure if you people complaining were over seas like some of us were (as I’m a Vet with 30 yrs of service) you would be the first ones in line waiting for that DVD to arrive, and could not wait for the next shipment to see what movies you got next. Ok, so then if you people feel that he is so much in the wrong lets see you step up and send movies over to the troops yourself. LETS SEE YOU PEOPLE PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS as he is 92 yrs old and paying for it out of his pocket.. Our troops are over there fighting in a foreign country for YOUR FREEDOM while you sit here safe with your computer complianing about whether he’s right or wrong. What difference does it make. I say way to go Mr. Strachman and keep up the Good Work for all the troops over seas. Who is he hurting by giving our troops a little MORALE!!!!!! It’s not like it’s coming out of your wallets.
He’s 92 if it makes him happy then let him do it. Who cares about Hollywood’s feelings.
Got to give the guy credit for trying to help the troops. At 92 and having lost his wife, he could have given up. Instead he is trying to do something for others. I don’t see where he is trying to profit from it. Maybe his efforts can be re-focused or re-directed so that he isn’t doing anything wrong and can still help the troops, that would be a win / win situation.
God Bless this Vet, what are they gonna do to him, put him in jail for being a patriot/ I don’t think he really cares. Screw all you liberal Hollywood freaks that want all your rights but never paid the price.
Mr. Strachman should be givin a medal for his efforts in supporting our troops and the movie/ music companys should be ashamed of themselfs all they care about is money.
We all know it’s theft, poor guy is getting bashed for giving to his fellow veterans a little bit of entertainment we get anytime. It’s a reason for him to live longer & perhaps happier. When he passes on he’ll be happy for his efforts no matter what anyone here had to say.
Wrong or not, he has the BALLS to do something, I like most of you have been there done that and know that even a small gesture goes a LONG way
FOR WHAT THEATERS CHARGE FOR VIEWING ONE OF THEIR PTRDUCTIONS, I THINK THEY COULD AFFORD TO SEND MANY COPIES TO THE TROOPS. I REALLY APPRECIATE WHAT THIS GUY IS DOING LEGAL OR NOT, AS HE IS SUPPORTING OUR FIGHTING MEN AND WOMEN IN THE AMERICAN WAY. THAT IS “GET R DONE“‘ SORRY LARRY, DIDN’T MEAN TO PIRATE YOUR LINES.
WOW!! Where to start. Well first it’s “WRONG” Mr. Strachman what most people did many years ago take care of our own. But when he was a kid just like many of use you stole you paid the price. As for Fred I love how people say “It’s not coming out of your pocket” Really? do you believe that Wal-Mart just say of the heck with it we had millions of item stolen from shoplifters no they add that loss to all the items in the store so it does come out of everyone’s pocket.
who does a affect how about our teens for those of us who are parents why should the local video store hire my kid for a job when his sale are down because someone is selling bootleg DVDs around the corner? Why should the trucking companies hire drives to ship goods when no one is buying from the store? Why should a company hire a person to stock those Red Boxes vending machines when no one is renting? Who does it affect?
As for the person who said they missed a show because they were on duty I was in the Gulf War and never saw one show because I was in a support unit not a front line unit but I was standing beside the tanker the gunners and was almost blown up twice. No stolen DVD would have boosted my moral.
Anyone who says “Its not coming out of your pocket” needs to go back to school and take economics 101 again theft effects us all “DIRCTLY ” or “INDIRCTLY ” do you believe that stores pay millions in security just to go home and watch your day shopping in their store? Who pays the guards paycheck everyone with higher cost for the items you want from “Their Store”
As for the drugs please we have enough bad press with Abule Gray prison and our troops posing with dead body’s acting they just killed a dear and want to post it in field and stream. Everyday troops do the right thing up hold the law and those fools and their actions hurt all the troops people look at our military as a hole not just the few A**H**es.
Mr. Strachman should stop and find another way to help our troops. What he is doing has an effect on everyone. Until something happens to you “Directly” it’s no big deal. Let’s write letters send care packages “BUY” a DVD and send it to them. Let’s be there to shake their hand when they get off the plain or come home to their base or armory.
When I was in the Gulf and my wife was sleeping with a little A**H**e in Germany no DVD would have boosted my moral my fellow SM and letters from strangers who wrote to any solider is what helped me make it that’s what we should be doing. How about telling our current government to stop cutting our defense budget so our troops can have the things they need to take a break from the **** of war. How dose breaking the law boost our troops moral when they are there to defend the “LAW”
Here’s a good example I was going to join my bike chapter for a teddy bear run to our local hospital needing gas I went to get my 5gal. gas can to find it had been stolen mind you it was December 42 degrees as my daughter and me left there was my can in the neighbors drive when I approached him it oh yes sorry I need gas to go smokes “Sorry” This is no lie so who did this affect “directly” me or the kids.
To close its wrong!!!! Should he be dragged off to jail in hand cuffs? No just told thanks for what you are doing but you need to stop.
God bless all of those who have and still are serving and for those of you have never served God Bless you to and why don’t you go buy our troops some “LEGAL” DVDs and send them and thank them for giving you the right to set and make you comments and keep writing them a letter who know they may someday defend you from some who is robbing you at gun point stealing from you “DIRECTLY”
Sorry for the bad grammer , I tried to do this on a 20 min brake. Lets Pray for our troops thats still legal in this country I hope.
I think it’s a great cause and well needed. The reporters could have left some details out though as because he is doing it stateside and not in iraq or afghanistan where there is no copyright law, and they said he has admitted to ripping 300,000 copies is a gross infraction. I’m not saying I would say he was guilty if I was on the jury, but the fact that he is pirating a pirated copy doesn’t really make any difference. I will feel bad for the guy when they come and try to fine him a bajillion dollars for stealing their movies. I think they should do the honorable thing and say, you know what, we are going to simply tell you to please cease what you are doing and to continue to keep you busy, spearhead our new comittment to shipping movies to troops.
So many of us have deployed to a combat zone and were nowhere near a FOB that a USO tour even came close to. Two deployments under my belt and not a star in sight, just a bunch of heroes looking for that ‘little piece of home’ away from the reality that is was. Funny how a movie made you feel a little bit better about the days events. I praise you for your effort ‚Mr. Strachman, in trying to ease the atrocities of war at the possible price of your own freedom. God bless you kind sir, and thank you for your service to this great country of ours for without you, I would not be here today.
What he is doing for the troops I think is commendable. And from his era helping the troops is a way of life. This is a way for him to make keeping our great country safe a little more tolerable. Yes, Bootlegging is illegal. To bad they published this article and brought it to light. But they did. So where is the lawyer who is willing to do his part for the troops and help him make his project legal vise let him burn for the good he did for the troops and face fines he can’t pay, confiscation of his equipment, and possibly jail time. Maybe here is where the USO can step in and take advantage of his learned abilities in a way that can support them and the troops.
I’m in may 60 somethings and the older I get the less I care about minor laws. No blood no fowl. In other words the few cents he is “stealing” from the people who overcharge for their products are not going broke because of this gentleman. Hollywood talks big, but not much action when real life serious things are at hand. They should be making fans and supporters of the troops by GIVING their movies to watch. ARF ARF
I am 82, the widow of not one but 2 Vets one 100% disabled the other 50%, one 22 1/2 years service one 27 1/2 years service, one WWII, both Korea and Vietnam, why you jerks quit taking from vets and our Miliary and start supporting them especiall\ytheir own family members I will never understand, Freedom is not free so shut up use your time and energy to SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AND VETERANS, THEY GAVE THEIR LIFE FOR YOU
Thank You Dorothy for your comment, I could not agree more. And like I asked in my earlier post Just WHY did they have to run this story when there are so many other stories out there.
Yes Big Money Hollywood and USO’s lets see you step up to the plate and help out.
I THINK ALL OF US VETS SHOULD STAND AND SUPPORT MR. STRACHMAN IN HIS QUEST FOR OVER SEAS MORALE
I support Strachman’s efforts…If he were selling the copies to his friends and neighbors then I say hang him but the fact that he is sending the movies to OUR soldiers in a WAR zone gets my support and it should get yours!!!
I understand that there are laws prohibiting the copying of licensed material. I also know that Hollywood is not suffering, by any stretch of the imagination. I applaud the actors, actresses and musicians who go out of their way for our brothers and sisters who are laying down their lives for us.
If they aren’t complaining or taking action about what Mr. Strachman is doing, who are we to do so? I, for one, applaud him for his reasons are unselfish and pure. A rarity in this day and age.
I’m a vet also and after reading this story I think he’s doing his best to help our men and women get through being miles away from their families. Yeah he’s buying bootlegged video’s and making copies for our troops and I thank him for that because they need all the support they can get as they say a little bit goes along way. Thank you Mr. Strachman
Im thankful for the article post.Much thanks again. Much obliged.
I really liked your article post.Really thank you! Awesome.
Like nature the intention was changed accordingly too. In case of from what end is seen it may be used to stabilize the new statement or idea. In my case, I wouldn’t want to sit and be bored. If it was not going to set me favorably to think about how I got the cd, then I believe that the article then, should’nt have been publised.
To break the laws of the nation you serve, is a level of hypocrisy like no other. Obey the laws of the nation you serve. NO ONE is above the law, despite service to country, affluence, or sacrifices made.
Sorry to dig this one back out of the archives, but I just wanted to say one thing. I’m currently sitting in AF and +90% of the movies sold out here are bootleg copies sold by the local nationals. Oh! One more thing– US Customs ‘limits’ the amount of Bootleg movies you can bring back into the states when you return home. So all of you that seem to forget what we are doing over here– talk to the federal gov before lashing out at this HERO that is doing his part.
SF
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