Copyright Enforcement: Would the Government Arrest People for Destroying Political Signs that Cost 75 Cents?

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Suppose some right-wing type is enraged at seeing a sign that calls President Bush bad names. Suppose he tears the sign down. Suppose the owner of the sign calls the police and asks to have this person arrested. My guess is that the police tell the caller to calm down and get over it. After all the police have more important things to do. While the police are unlikely to get involved in protecting property of little intrinsic value when it comes to protecting political speech, they are very willing to get involved in protecting property of little intrinsic value in protecting copyrights and corporate profits. It is remarkable that the NYT can give instructions on seeking out legal downloads without ever commenting on the great lengths to which the government will go to protect songs that are worth 75 cents.

--Dean Baker

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