Yep.
The patent debate is complex, crossing ideological lines. The difference between an abstract idea and working machine can be subtle. Could the Pythagorium Theorem have been patented? Can mathematical theory derived from this theorem be patented? At the heart of most machines is mathematical and scientific theory. Often the theory is invented and tested as part of developing a potential device.
There is a large amount of controversy about software patents and business process patents. The business process patents often seem obvious. Software patents seem more of copyright issue. On the other hand, almost every machine now has embedded software.
I do not have any answers to intellectual property questions except that they deserve careful study. I do not see that traditional left-right divisions provide insight into the debate about intellectual property rights.