Bush Administration Wants Prison Time for Illegal File Copiers

People who attempt to copy music or movies without permission could face jail time under legislation proposed by the U.S. Justice Department on Thursday.

The bill, outlined by U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales at an anti-piracy summit, would widen intellectual-property protections to cover those who try but fail to make illicit copies of music, movies, software or other copyrighted material.

It would also enable investigators to seize assets purchased with profits from the sale of illicit copies, as well as property such as blank CDs that might be used for future copying.

Those found guilty of a copyright violation could be forced to pay restitution to the owner of the material in question, and repeat offenders would face stiffer sentences.

They'll join the folks doing life for growing 10 pot plants while they let out the serial killers and drug kingpins to make room for them.

Oh, trust me, as someone who depends to some degree on the copyright to survive, I know stealing is stealing. You won't catch me playing games with copyrights. But to imprison file pirates while letting Bush and Cheney escape treason charges.... man...