Is there a universal danger of greed and self-interest triumphing over ethics?

Question

Or has it already happened?
It's really depressing to read the Yahoo questions from online members always asking how to get free ebooks, download free this, free that, music piracy without a care in the world that it's thievery. They don't think they should have to pay for anything. Has the internet with its down-loadable freeware mind-conditioned the current generation that stealing is OK, or do they even consider it stealing?
I wonder if they've ever mentally put themselves in the shoes of someone who has spent months, if not years, inventing, composing, writing a book, etc. only to have the rewards of their intensive labor casually stolen from them.

I beg to differ with cyanne2ak, Moral behavior and Ethical behavior are intertwined. I don't believe that a person can be unethical yet moral, and conversely.
The dictionary states:

Ethics
A theory or a system of moral value. A set of principles of right conduct.

Morals
Of or concerned with the judgment of the goodness or badness of human action and character

I didn't ask this question with a political agenda, I'm looking for answers with well thought-out academic reasoning. Thank you

Answer 1

Of course greed is taking over but in regards to downloading music:
What about in the 80's when everyone was taping music off the radio?
Was it such a crime then?
Or is it just that musicians and song writers have become even more greedy despite their million dollar mansions and exotic cars?
I refuse to endorse these greedy musicians whether I like their music or not - I've got a radio.

Answer 2

Yes. They are called Republicans. And also yes it has not only already happened, it has been going on for years. It DOES seem to be a prevailing acceptable way of life to some folks. The attitude, by some, seems to be the "if you dont like it, sue me" Ya know what I mean?

Answer 3

No. The reason is simple. Ethics and Morals are NOT THE SAME. Look up the definitions of both in the dictionary to see why.

Answer 4

a wise man told me that the republican's so call moral's are just pure evil