Downloading the latest Jay-Z tune could become a federal offense if a Detroit representative gets his way.

U.S. Rep. John Conyers supports this ridiculous bill that would equate downloading one file with one felony. Offenders feasibly could be given a five-year prison term and a $250,000 fine.

The Democrat says he feels it is in a violation of copyright laws to share movies, music and other copyrighted work and that perpetrators should be fined and charged with a federal offense.

What's next, death row? While it is understandable that Conyers is trying to represent and protect artists from being taken advantage of by the file-sharing public, this bill takes things way too far. File sharing is like a child stealing candy from a store - and little Billy shouldn't be jailed simply because he wants to hear a Britney song.

Conyers has good intentions. But he is trying to make an example of people who really aren't hurting anybody.

Yes, people should follow the rules and respect copyright protections, but the government should be going after distributors of pirated CDs who can make a real economic impact.

Besides, more often than not, file sharing can expose consumers to a larger variety of music, interesting those consumers and propelling more sales of the actual albums. It's not a black-and-white issue - file sharing might violate copyright laws, but it also serves as an unintended promotion of artists.

No, Rep. Conyers, wanting to hear the latest OutKast tune is not a federal offense, and trying to make an example of these people is outright obnoxious. A more reasonable attempt to control this phenomenon would be to fine those who share files, not send them to jail.