IP freely?

I am a big supporter of protecting IP (intellectual property) because I have immense respect for artists and those who work in artistic fields. I view all thought, opinion, and perspective as inherently mutable, so this essay, written by extempore, required me to take a step back and evaluate my thoughts and feelings on IP, and how I came them.

Downloading a book or song without paying the artist or author is stealing. The belief that all information wants to be free is a banner being waved by too many spoiled children who want to steal without punishment. Is protecting the IP of artistic material worth the invasion of privacy and potential trampling of civil rights necessary to enforce those protections? Can we find better ways to pay and support our artists? Are the end results of IP as dire as the author projects?

Not easy questions and no easy answers.

J