To: Libertarian Party News
Date: 18 June 2001
Subject: Napster/MP3, Theft, Freedom, Responsibility

Regarding the MP3/Napster 
issue, I can't believe there 
are readers who find it 
acceptable to steal someone 
else's work product.  To me 
that's a lot more libertine 
than libertarian.  If someone 
gives away their work freely,
or accepts voluntary payments 
like shareware, then they're 
free to do so.  But if someone 
wishes to make a living by 
selling their product 
commercially, acquiring it 
without paying for it is 
clearly and obviously theft.

Yes, it's easy to copy digital 
media, yet abusing freedom is 
the surest way to diminish it.  
With greater freedom comes 
greater responsibility.  If we 
value freedom we should behave 
responsibly.

Jeff Chan