The fundamental problem is that the extreme concentration of wealth in the US increases the power of industry groups like the recording industry, banking industry, oil, defense, etc. relative to the citizenry, and those groups capture and have their way wth the government.
Obama had the most effective grassroots funding in US history, but even then it only made up ~half his campaign donations. The other half came from industry groups and wealthy individuals. But the latter not only fund campaigns, but hire high-powered lobbyists who were usually prior Congressional staff members, and also provide well-paid revolving door jobs, directorships, etc. for politicians when they leave office. Politicians are funded, courted, bribed, and basically controlled from their political life's cradle to grave. The entire system is almost completely captured.
Unfortunately there are no wealthy special interests who particularly oppose ACTA, just segments of the populace, which don't have the financial clout to buy access to Congress or the President. Hence things like ACTA is the result, even with a president like Obama.
Obama had the most effective grassroots funding in US history, but even then it only made up ~half his campaign donations. The other half came from industry groups and wealthy individuals. But the latter not only fund campaigns, but hire high-powered lobbyists who were usually prior Congressional staff members, and also provide well-paid revolving door jobs, directorships, etc. for politicians when they leave office. Politicians are funded, courted, bribed, and basically controlled from their political life's cradle to grave. The entire system is almost completely captured.
Unfortunately there are no wealthy special interests who particularly oppose ACTA, just segments of the populace, which don't have the financial clout to buy access to Congress or the President. Hence things like ACTA is the result, even with a president like Obama.