Whenever a governmental body makes a statement that voices support for an ethical principle, you should look for the real underlying reason: money.

In a recent meeting, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors stated that copyright infringement “substantially interferes with the interest of the public in the quality of life and community peace, lawful commerce in the county, property values, and is detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare of the county’s citizens, its businesses and its visitors.”

Going beyond a public statement in support of LA County’s major industry, Big Media, the board passed legislation that allows it to close a business for copyright infringement, with the owner fined $1,000 for each infringing work produced on site.

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