Shrie, you are correct that our world is so interconnected that it's virtually impossible not to inadvertently contribute to problems that you're ethically opposed to. Even organic veggies aren't 'green' if they were trucked halfway across the country to get to you. I just like to be as up front as possible about the compromises I make. I don't use MySpace, but if I had, I likely would have left it when News Corp took over. Unless, of course, I had already become so hooked on it that giving it up would have been too painful. This is the case with most MySpace users, who have conveniently chosen to overlook who's running the show.

It's pretty much the same with illegal music downloading. All the excuses and rationalizations people make justifying it, and there are hundreds of them, make me laugh. I buy music, but I also download a lot of music too. Is it legal or ethical? No. Why do I do it, then? Because I want the music, it's easy, doesn't cost me anything, and I'm likely get away with it. Same reason that everyone else does it. That makes me a less than completely ethical person. I can deal with that. Some people can't, and therefore have to come up with transparent and generally laughable justifications that makes them feel better about themselves. Better to be honest with yourself and know yourself, I think.