Those dedicated to the destruction of file sharing networks often fail to recognize (or at least admit to) the side benefits that such networks can bring towards overcoming efforts by autocratic regimes in stifling free speech.

Many free market activists often cite the nexus between free economies and free speech, yet some fail to exhibit even a glimmer of cognitive dissonance when it comes to the free flow of IP. The trouble for their position is that the current world of IP has so thoroughly fused the concepts of speech and commerce that one side of the other will now have to bend to keep the other side flowing.

I suppose it would be a bit much to try and portray the RIAA as de facto supporters of fascist Islamic regimes in their efforts to try and shut down networks such as Pirate Bay, but I'm still getting a kick out of Pirate Bay's efforts to help facilitate freedoms in Iran. ;-)

Details here.

The 'Anonymous Iran' site can be found here.