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There is no doubt that online piracy is a problem. Many, including gideon, now have an entitlement mentality to the stolen property of others. Property rights need to be defended.
If someone breaks into my house, I can sue them, I can also call the cops to kick them out and in some states I can shoot their ass. Online piracy is THEFT, pure and simple, and the federal government has a legitimate role in preventing it. Hell, protecting property rights is a core function of government.
Property rights are also absolutely key to the functioning of any market, and most level-headed individuals know they need to be protected. In dealing with intangible intellectual property rights, in an economy increasingly driven by intangible intellectual value, it becomes even more important to protect those rights. To paraphrase Mark Twain (as staunch defender of intellectual rights), Whenever a copyright law is violated, then the idiots assemble to get it for free.
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