Again. Why would anyone expend effort, ingenuity, time, and money to invent, write, compose, or otherwise be creative if their work is not protected?
What a strange concept. Although classical music was the pop music of their time, the composers were not exactly rich. Aside from this, they created music not for fame, not for money but because of dedication to divinity. They aspired to something divine, as many artists (not to be confused with pop artists) still do.
Personally, I am for material possesion, meaning the richest guy can have the original copy, the original microphone, but copies of that work, copies of the music should be freely distributed.
Honestly, do you think an artist is happier with a listener who buys all the CD's, or a listener that listens to the illegal music, but understands its underdone, and the feeling from the music and is able to live a 'better' life thanks to it?
For the love of beauty, let us not pretend that artists are interested in money, wealth or fame. They are not artists in the first place.
That said, I'm interested in knowing how anyone thinks he can apprehend people with illegal mp3's. I am completely anonymous. I may have cable, but I get a different IP-address everytime I log in. The government can not invade my house without reasonable suspicion, meaning I am completely safe. If it is so difficult to apprehend someone (except the 11-year old kids who have no idea what they are doing), how will you remain serious about this legislation?
Mr U