Some years ago an American explained that to me. It was basicly something like this: If You say "America", You mean the government, when you say "American[s]", You mean the People. So whenever the media said "America needs/wants/likes", it's not really about the people as such, and should not be taken as "they're talking about us".
So, since Tantrix said America...
But again, that's how i remember it.

Hopefully most of their bullshit invasive, controlling laws can be overcome with the right technology. I remember a while back the MI5 writing about how they don't want these kind of extreme-copyright laws to pass, because they know people will just start encrypting everything, and then their job because much more difficult.

I agree with you totally!
You know what our main problem is?
Our educational system.
Its the lack of critical thinking thats the main issue. (You know? The ability to think for ourselves!)
Since its not promoted, people just aren't aware there is a problem!
I mean looking back at the curriculum I had as a child, its embarassing!
We are literally spoon-fed information! (No wonder most of my generation, are sex/relationship obsessed morons, they haven't discovered that there is a world beyond what they read in the magazines!) (I feel like the intelligent ape out of Skullmonkeys! XD EDIT: Jerry-O! Thats his name! :D)
Only when there are times of need, do the ignorant public finally, get there is an issue at hand!
The other main issue is our wealth gap. Its self-perpetuating! The rich, get the best education, therefore the best jobs.
They become the business men, the lawers, and the politicians, and they only look out for their own interests (to stay rich!).
EDIT: And anyone with a brain in the UK can clearly see it doesn't matter who to vote for in the election, as the two main parties are EXACTLY THE SAME!!
(Big shocker! I know! XD)
As for piracy, I know from personal experience, the only people who pirate are the ignorant, and kids who don't have a job, and can't get the game they want from their parents, (mostly because its not out yet for months in the UK, or their parents don't earn enough to keep up with their desires. You can call that selfish, but its not entirely their fault, as the industry itself is almost literally forcing a culture down these kids throats to BUY! BUY! BUY!, to get the latest stuff, or be behind and looked down on!)

Indeed, ACTA is scary stuff. I seem to remember the EU opposing parts of it though, specifically the "three strikes and you're out" approach to handling file sharing. (The proposition was to require ISPs to disconnect users who had been accused of piracy three times - no evidence necessary, just accusations)
You don't even have to go back to WWII. Italy today seems to be in a bad state.

You know? I might just take you up on that offer! XD
At least a dictator generally tends to get things done, than to stand around all day, arguing about it!
And at least you make your intentions clear! XD

i don't care

I am 100% behind this treaty/law, but only if they publicly kill the first dozen or so pirates. Nothing major, just a plain old noose,tree, and a video camera is fine :P. After the first few heads roll, so to speak, I bet piracy rates decrease a bit...
Seriously, I think anonymity is one of the biggest problems with the internet as it currently exists. Also, those that steal intellectual property, when it can be legally obtained elsewhere, piss me off, no matter what 'justification' they give.
I am sure I am in the minority, but my patience has been wearing thin about this for a while. Right now, as far as the Internet goes, the inmates are running the asylum; I see little harm in an outside regulatory agency existing to make sure existing laws are followed.
Of course, if the regulations become censorship, THEN I start to have big problems. But, that isn't at issue here, is it?

Then why don't you use your full name instead of a pseudonym on your forum profile? :P There will always be legitimate reasons to want to remain anonymous on the internet. For example, let's say I'm applying for a new job -- I might not want my prospective employer to be able to google my name and see everything I've ever written on all the web forums I've visited.
I'm sure that a lot of people can agree with that. But a system that requires no evidence and no due process before sentence is carried out does not seem like the answer to me.

It's part scary, part madly depressing how poorly this issue is being handled by lawmakers, and this isn't an exclusively American problem, although you do have the most bloated legal system in the world.
Basically, in the filesharing world, the suggested techniques for legal control are at about the same level as the witch hunts of the 15th century. Throw the witch in the water, and if she sinks like normal people, she's innocent. If she floats, she's clearly a witch and should be pitchforked.
It is basically the same idea when ISPs might not even need evidence of file sharing before cutting you off, or sending some kind of web sheriff after you.
Disgusting.

Innocent until proven guilty? Not when copyright infringement is involved! You could be the most obvious thief or murderer or rapist, but we'll still give you a fair trial, but them thar filthy pirates? Lock 'em all up first just to be sure!

I use "Krypsyn" (Or Marquis Krypsyn, or Krypsyn Draconian) everyplace I go. I am sure you can Google it and eventually find my information (though, some might be out of date). It was my handle as an admin of a MUD nearly 20 years ago, and I never felt the need to change it.
However, I was mainly referring to anonymity from governments and regulatory agencies. Though, I would LOVE to see some of the punks on the internet say some of the things I have seen straight to my face. There would be a few more bloody pulps in the world, I tell ya ;). One of my sigs, as a jokey warning, on a forum I moderated was: "Have car, have baseball bat, have your IP info, will travel."

As for a solution, I think there should be a system like this:
- If we're going to try to make our children act like adults, then give them the opportunity to work from the age of 12 or 13.
I'm sure a kid of that age, could perfectly be able to work as a till monkey at Tesco's
(I should know! I work there! XD)
I mean, the work we do is so much different in nature to the jobs kids had to do back in the industrial era.
To get this to work, obviously the way insurance is handled needs to be tweaked. (Treat employed children like adults. Same premuims ect...).
- Educate people about the effects of piracy
- Give constant offenders a polite suggestion, then a polite warning, then ban them temporarily a few times.
If they keep at it, then can one ban them until they can prove their mature enough to act responsibly.
No point in suing them, as nothing much is gained from it, (just scare mongering really).
- Get rid of DRM, but keep cd-keys (for online multiplayer games). (Programs like Steam can be an exception, as the service offered is comparable to the DRM implemented)
Programs like Steam should allow for a trading system that devalues game as time passes (i.e. a digital version of pre-owned selling/trading)
- Hard copies' key should also be allowed to be used to download a digital copy, (that can't be resold on previously mentioned system).
If digital copy is used, then cd-key is locked to online account, and hard-copy can't be resold neither,
(Again, this will be monitered to prevent abuse)
- Pre-owned system should be kept the same for non multiplayer games. If companies cry about it, they should really make their own trade-in system to compete with high-street retailers.
There's probably more, but I can't think of anyhting at the mo' :D
EDIT: feel free to crticise my ideas. I won't hold it against you. XD
(In fact I encourage it, I might learn something interesting.)

This has been happening for a while. It's not about protecting anyone's rights. In fact it can only strip them away. Having the government control copyright 'protection' they're taking away the right of the copyright holder to enforce their rights how and when they see fit.
They're doing this for no other reason than to gain another degree of control over people. Not for the copyright holders, but for themselves. Saying that this is for the copyright holders is as laughable as saying that the RIAA cares about the rights of recording artists.

How would you solve the rampant piracy on the Internet then?
I am behind a third party group that tracks down unlawful use of intellectual property of behalf of the holders. I don't see how it can hurt the copyright owner in the least. I don't care what the motivation on the organization or agency is, as long as, in the end, fewer thieves exist. I know the RIAA is only after money, and the rights of the artists are secondary, but does it really matter if the end result is protect of the property from pirates?