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I didn't fixate on the expense, that's what those advocating illegal downloading cite frequently as their rationale for stealing. And it is stealing! When you buy a CD you buy the right to use the content according to the copyright laws. Whether you like those laws or not, as responsible citizens we are obligated to observe those laws. Advocate for changing those laws if you wish but don't just ignore those with which you disagree. If Free republic's use of material is illegal then I also oppose that. As a conservative I believe deeply in the rule of law no matter my personal opinion and there are some pretty stupid laws. I write to my elected representatives to get those laws changed. Selective observance of laws eventually leads to anarchy.

"If Free republic's use of material is illegal then I also oppose that."

But you're still here posting, and I don't think you're going to quit. If, as you say, you don't selectively ignore laws with which you disagree, then there's a real problem with you giving your consent and approval to others at this site to violate copyright laws.

Personally, I don't find anything wrong with people posting articles, because I think it is a stupid law. And yes, we ALL disobey stupid laws, whether we realize it or not...for example, we speed when we think the speed limit is too low. Or, we might make a small improvement to our house without getting the proper permit. Think, and I'm sure you'll find an example of how you selectively obeyed laws.

My opinion on "selective obedience" is mixed. Of course, I believe in the rule of law, and I get angry when I see people breaking the law, but also, our law system has been so vastly perverted that it is impossible to get through a day without breaking at least one law. I'd be willing to bet that both you and I are breaking one right now, in all likelihood. We have to maintain order, but at the same time, we have to get the pendulum swinging back toward the side of common sense.

I didn't fixate on the expense, that's what those advocating illegal downloading cite frequently as their rationale for stealing. And it is stealing! When you buy a CD you buy the right to use the content according to the copyright laws. Whether you like those laws or not, as responsible citizens we are obligated to observe those laws. Advocate for changing those laws if you wish but don't just ignore those with which you disagree. If Free republic's use of material is illegal then I also oppose that. As a conservative I believe deeply in the rule of law no matter my personal opinion and there are some pretty stupid laws. I write to my elected representatives to get those laws changed. Selective observance of laws eventually leads to anarchy.

Applause. Sig material (if I could squeeze that much into the sig area).