Why are software patents a "civil rights" problem? There is wide agreement that the patent system, especially software patents and business method patents, is

Why are software patents a "civil rights" problem? There is wide agreement that the patent system, especially software patents and business method patents, is in need of reform. Rather than just venting your anger and frustration, you might make constructive suggestions. Do you believe in the patent system at all? Do you believe that some software can be patented? How do you distinguish that software from other software? You claim all sorts of dire things will happen because of current practice. Why do you believe that "there will be no innovation in 10 years" because of current patent practice? Why 10 years? Why not 5 years or 13 years? If things are going to be improved we need to have a clear and rational proposal for reform.