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21 Nov 02 - 10:54 AM (#831645) Subject: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bobert So now we have this Homeland Security legislation that few Senators will admit to knowing much about other than voting against it would have cast them at traitors and demons, but now it's time to see what we're getting for our tax bucks. Okay, for the *working class* here's a short list of things that Big Brother is going to know about you: 1. Every time you pick up the phone 2. Every transaction you make with a credit card 3. Some taped pay phone conversations 4. Every check you write 5. Every website you visit 6. Every car you own 7. Every gun purchase you make 8. Every dollar you give to a charity or politacl party paid with a check or credit card 9. Every time you use a toll bridge or toll road 10. Every time you pay for any permit, be it a hunting or fishing license. And now guess who Junior has tapped for the job? Well, Johnny Poindexter, who lied to Congress and broke laws brokering guns deals in the Iran/Contra Scandle, that's who! Now, what did Boss Hog and his henchmen get? Well, lets see; 1. Retroactive protection from law suits. 2. Big breaks for the drug companies, who incidently were big players in the recent election where 80% of their contributions went to the Repubs. 3. Limitations of the Freedom of Information Act that gives the working class access to infomation about those dirt little closed meetings of folks who are paid from our tax bucks, like Cheney's *insider* Energy Policy discussions. 4. Busting up collective bargaining be federal workers, which will bring about *out sourcing* and *privavtization* which are Boss Hogs way of getting cheap labor that he has no *responsibilty* for fair compensation. 5. A major shift or power into the Executive Branch that would make ol' Tom Jefferson roll over in his grave. Yeah, these are just for starters. In the coming days, as the smoke clears, we'll see how much of *democracy* is left standing and just how far back the working man got his butt kicked. Bobert |
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21 Nov 02 - 11:15 AM (#831669) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: mack/misophist Naturally I know nothing about it. However, ways of dealing with many of these outrages have been around since the 60's and before. I would remind everyone of some of the things Jefferson said, but ot's probably illegal now. |
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21 Nov 02 - 11:22 AM (#831680) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Mrrzy "What would Jefferson do?" Although I have to admit, having grown up in a non-US society, that I don't get the big deal over privacy. Why shouldn't the gubmint know anytime anybody acquires a deadly weapon? Wouldn't we all be safer if they did? What does it matter if they know where you're driving on what toll roads? As long as you don't have a kidnap victim in your car, that is... so what if they know I hang out at the Mudcat? As long as I'm not doing anything wrong, why should I care who knows what I'm doing? |
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21 Nov 02 - 11:32 AM (#831686) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: GUEST,adavis@truman.edu "If you're not doing anything wrong, you have no reason to mind the constant surveillance." In some ways, it's a hard argument to counter -- I want to be free to break the law? But the intuitive response is the right one: it tends to put a damper on free discourse, to encourage self-censorship and a watch-your-ass mentality, which are thoroughly inimical to democracy. As Mrrzy's post suggests, it's not an all-or-nothing proposition: there's a world of difference in the privacy-vs.-public good tradeoff between recording the purchase of deadly weapons and tracking your every move and transaction. But maybe it'll be a shot in the arm for live, face-to-face, unrecorded events. Adam |
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21 Nov 02 - 11:34 AM (#831689) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: MMario I have always assumed that any purchase by check or credit card could be traced, ditto phone conversations; web surfing, etc. I think donations to charity and political parties (especially political parties) SHOULD be tracked. As far as knowing which toll bridges and toll roads I travel - unless I was in disguise, I would have to assume my being there is/was a matter of "public record" since it occurred in public. If licenses and permits can't be tracked, how do they know which ones are valid? |
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21 Nov 02 - 11:36 AM (#831692) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: katlaughing It has to do with WHO decides whether what you do is wrong or not, Mrrzy. You might think of it as nothing, but Mr. Paranoia, i.e. some wanker in the government might be suspicious enough to say otherwise. Given enough time, s/he'll be able to twist "evidence" any way they like and we will have given it to them by not protesting and logging our opposition. |
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21 Nov 02 - 11:48 AM (#831705) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Amos THis is one of those subtle issues, as pointed out above that is less obvious in the details. It is true that individual instances of being observed are not usually a problem to honest people. However, the principle of being observed because you choose to act publically but ARE NOT REQUIRED to is really much more far-reaching. For one thing, the observation is onlyu one hand on a two-handed throttle hold. The OTHER hand is mass compliace and agreement with direction from above, which is a far uglier thing, in politics. It is fine to be scrutinized as long as you agree with all the whims of the centralized powers. But to DIS_AGREE requires free dialogue, freedom from fear, freedom from interference with open discourse, and a right to conduct ones legal affairs publically or privately as a free choice. This is not just a matter of "I'm not doing anything wrong so I don't care who watches". It is a much more important matter of the constraints of power. We aren't monarchists over here, or didn't used to be anyway, and empowering the central government to essentially spy on citizens is anathema to the Jefferson/Paine/Adams legacy that some of us were taught to consider an ideal for free men and women. I spit. I spit because those who have taken over the quarterdeck, by chicanery, are now selling the ship into servitude by waving the flag of terror. I spit because the man at the helm is a commercial fascist. Most of all I spit because this turn of events is a clarion call for the forces of stupidity and barbarism to introduce a new Dark Age in the history of the greatest experiment ever begun by human beings. THis is a New Milestone for the Progress of Ignorance!! All it took was buying a few judges. What a bright idea -- from a very short-term, self-serving, criminally-inclined viewpoint. What a tragic pollution for ther river of human history to be burdened with. I spit twice. A |
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21 Nov 02 - 12:05 PM (#831721) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: DougR Speaking of paranoia. Bobert, I have it on pretty good authority that the first person whose line will be tapped in West Virginia is yours. Some FBI agent has been monitoring the Mudcat (at least that's what I have heard). Maybe you better get on a party line like we use to have, and then they won't be able to tell who is talking! :>) DougR |
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21 Nov 02 - 12:19 PM (#831728) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Mrrzy And since half the sex acts most people enjoy are illegal in many states, if they ARE going to be watching us, they better de-criminalize a whole lotta stuff! |
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21 Nov 02 - 12:22 PM (#831729) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Rick Fielding When something simply becomes too bizarre to comprehend, I always go back to the writings of my guru, Quentin Crisp....who (especially because of Michael Jackson's recent antics) is starting to look VERRRY normal!) Quentin expected EVERYONE who has power to use it to the fullest. Even back thirty years ago he invisioned Big Brother in America checking up on everybody. His advice? "If the Government insists on watching you in "the loo", learn to urinate with style! He added that "It'll be nice to know that MR. Carter CARES!" Well, so does Mr. Bush. Is it inevitable? Well I can't see the vast middle (and lower middle class) rising up in a major and violent protest, can you? It'll still only be the "angry youth" and life-long activists out there makin' noise. Remember the day after 9/11, when we were sayin' "Things will NEVER be the same again" Well, they won't. Rick |
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21 Nov 02 - 12:27 PM (#831733) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: NicoleC Ah, yes, of course, the "P" word comes up. Personally, the fact that this idea is the brainchild of John Poindexter is cause enough to be paranoid. This is a man who lied to Congress and (if you believe his story), lie to the President he was sworn to serve. Now we must take HIS word that he's only going to listen to terrorists? The fact that it's called "Total Information Awareness" is scary enough. It's not the data they are telling us they will collect that's the concern -- it's the freedom they've just been given to collect ANY information about you, compile it in a large database that may of may not be secure to hackers and internal spies, and USE that data any way they see fit. What is literally happening here is that the government is declaring every American to be a suspect. There is no probable cause anymore, no judicial oversight to ensure that you are reasonably likely of having committed a crime. In other words, we must live in fear of our government. From a report by Fox News: "When it's ready, Aldridge said individual privacy rights will be protected. But he could not explain how the data would be accessed. In some cases, specific warrants would give law enforcement agencies access, he said. But in other cases the database might flag suspicious activity absent a specific request or warrant, and that suspicious activity could well be relayed to law enforcement or intelligence agencies." Now, what was I saying the other day about developing procedures to assign risks factors to individuals, and automatically flagging those individuals for survellience or interrogation? I know you think of government as a big benevolent puppy that wouldn't do a thing to harm it's citizens, Doug, but history doesn't bear that impression out. Given power, government will use it. Given enough power, government will abuse it. Illuminati conspiracy theorists must be doing cartwheels. The logo for the Information Awareness Office is an illuminated eye on top of a pyramid. Ha! An ex of mine was the son of a prominent journalist during the Red Scare. Said journalist was one of the first men to do government exposes, and as such, was a suspected communists. My ex grew up under constant survellience by intelligence agencies. He used to joke about all of his pubescent telephone conversations being stored in an FBI basement on tape, and always wanted to know if the agents were routing for him or just bored when he was 15 and trying to convince a girl to sleep with him. Well, it was supposed to be a joke, but the man would hardly blink in public, let alone dance or sing or laugh -- habits earned from childhood. Is that what you want your kids to remember from their childhood? That someone is watching them all the time? |
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21 Nov 02 - 12:33 PM (#831741) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: MMario Ever grow up in a small town? Hate to tell you - when I was growing up - someone WAS watching all the time - and reporting. everything. |
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21 Nov 02 - 12:35 PM (#831742) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Big Tim "Maggie comes fleet foot, face full of black soot, talkin that the heat put, plants in the bed but, phone's tapped anyway, Maggie says that many say, must bust in early May, order from the DA, look out kid... Bob Dylan, "Subterreanean Homesick Blues", 1966. |
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21 Nov 02 - 12:37 PM (#831746) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Don Firth How soon we forget. Mrrzy, ask some of the people who were around in the early Fifties. Much of what HUAC and associated agencies such as the FBI were doing was illegal, violating may established statutes, and completely ignoring the Bill of Rights. Now, it's legal. And who gives a damn about the Bill of Rights anymore? It's been a pain in the ass to the government all along. Ostensibly, the Patriot Act and the Homeland Security legislation are aimed at combating terrorists. But laws of this sort are like hammers. Hammers are for hitting nails. But--if I had a hammer (how's that for a musical connection?), I could use it to hit all kinds of things besides nails. And there's the old adage that to someone with a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Like, say, anyone who questions or criticizes the administration. And laws like this, once passed, don't go away very easily. Now Doug would say (did say on another thread) "It'll never happen, folks." But it already has, and it can again. Don Firth |
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21 Nov 02 - 12:44 PM (#831757) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: McGrath of Harlow And I gather if you try using cash for some transactions (like renting a car) that is seen as extremely suspicious in itself. I think it can't be too long and cash transactions generally will cease to be legal, and it'll all be done through hyped up credit cards. |
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21 Nov 02 - 12:50 PM (#831768) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: DougR Nicole: play fair now: when did I say, "government is a benevolent puppy that wouldn't do a thing to harm it's citizens?" Don: yes, I did say that, and I believe that a lot of folks are exhibiting a large dose of paranoia. As Rick said earlier, things have changed since 9/11 (or words to that effect). Things will never be the same as they were, and yes, in order to effectively fight terrorism, we may have to sacrifice liberties that we have always enjoyed prior to 9/11. The terrorists are aware of those liberties, and do you for a minute think they will not use them to further their own cause? Operating manuals have been found instructing terrorists how to take advantage of our free society's laws in order to do just that. I hope the government uses its new powers wisely. There will be instances when it does not I'm sure. I will not condone government's actions when they do not. I am not going to live in fear, though, because I am afraid the government is going to place me under survellience, or tap my phone lines or install cameras in my bedroom. My enemy is the terrorists, not my government. DougR |
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21 Nov 02 - 12:55 PM (#831777) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: YOR The FBI is watching Mudcat, good they might learn something, about damn time. Can't catch a spy in their own building until its years too late, CIA too. And No I didn't watch that stupid movie. I have several old friends that work in unmentionable government agencies. I have asked each of them the same basic question over the years. "Do the people you work for think straight, are they quote 'normal'. All of them have had the same reply, Oh No, not at all! Yeah I feel sooo much safer with this new HUGE government agency. They won't know right from left or right from wrong. But the king is always correct! Roy |
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21 Nov 02 - 12:56 PM (#831779) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: NicoleC A slight aside, since we don't have a current "Iraq" thread and I don't want to resurrect the gargantuan one. Dr. Richard Perle told British MP's yesterday that even a clean bill of health from the weapons inspection team would not prevent a war. "Suppose we are able to find someone who has been involved in the development of weapons and he says there are stores of nerve agents. But you cannot find them because they are so well hidden. "Do you actually have to take possession of the nerve agents to convince? We are not dealing with a situation where you can expect co-operation." I other words, ONE person says that the WMD exist, and we go to war with Iraq. Even if there's no evidence. Do ya think they won't be able to find a single disgruntled Iraqi to prop up this claim? After all, it only took a Kuwait ambassador's daughter posing as a nurse to use the incubator baby lie to go to war last time. My head hurts. Any houses for sale on your block, Little Hawk? :) |
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21 Nov 02 - 01:06 PM (#831785) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: NicoleC It wasn't a quote Doug, it was an impression gleaned from months of your stating that the government would NEVER do _______________. The government does. Every chance they get away with it. They are the dog prowling around the henhouse to chase away foxes, and the farmers (that's us) need to keep an eye out that the dog doesn't decide chicken tastes better than dog kibble. And sorry, but I don't think that giving up freedom is a suitable way to protect it. I think giving up freedom is just that. What's that rationale, exactly -- if we stop being a free society, we'll be just like the countries those terrorists come from and they won't want to change us anymore? Ironic, isn't it, that those who claim to love America and what it stands for are so happy to undermine the very thing that makes America what it is? Is the government my enemy? It is when it behaves contrary to the diagram of our government, the US Constitution. I'd say this qualifies. |
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21 Nov 02 - 01:11 PM (#831789) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bill D If the White House 'plumbers' during the Nixon era had had access to computerized records of the sort Poindexter is about to acquire, what DO you suppose they might have done with them? Power has always tended to corrupt, and the more one's basic philosophy leans toward a narrow, conservative concept of morality, control and spying "for the protectiong of FREEDOM", the closer one comes to the hypothetical 'cameras in the bedroom'. I'm not sure it hasn't passed the point of no return already. |
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21 Nov 02 - 01:39 PM (#831810) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Don Firth The problem, Doug, is that it is not we who are paranoid, it's the government. That's what led to the Communist witch hunts. Witch hunting wasn't legal then. It is legal now. When it comes to witch hunts, anybody could be considered a witch. Even you. All it takes is an accusation. And even if you're proven innocent (and under these circumstances, you're guilty until proven innocent), the stigma is there forever. Like I say. Ask someone who went through it in the Fifties. Don Firth |
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21 Nov 02 - 02:01 PM (#831829) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bobert Yep, it's a lot easier to get your name on a list, than to get it off the list. "Geee, Mr. Smith, we're real sorry that you're name is ,on the list instead of the *other* Mr. Smith. If you'll just fill out this 9 page affidavit, have it notorized and get it back to us we'll see if we can't get you're name purged. Oh, we'll need the original and three copies, a certified copy of your birth certificate, names and phone numbers of all your neighbors and employers for the last 25 yeras and you'll need to be available during *our* working hours at our closest appeals office of Homeland Security Center, which just happens to be in, ahhhh, let me see, yes in Philadelphia for your hearing. Now here isa list of hotels in the area with driving instructions. And you might want to bring an, attorney (Ka-ching...)" Hmmmmmmm? Ya say a bunch of laywers wrote this legislation? Oh, I get it now... Bobert |
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21 Nov 02 - 02:51 PM (#831853) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: NicoleC Hmmm. Been digging through finding more details again today. Do you realize that even though TIPS is prohibitted, the new act allows private citizens to spy on other private citizens the same way without fear of prosecution if the new Dept (not a judge, the Dept) decides their intentions were conducted "in the national interest?" In other words, I can set up cameras in Doug's house, record all of his coversations and computer activity -- and all I have to do is claim that I thought Doug was a terrorist. Honest. In the words of Doug Thompson (Capital Hill BLue) today: "This new Department of Homeland Security has the power to wiretap any American it wants, without a court order, without cause and without justification to any higher authority. Homeland Security goon squads will have the power to enter any American home, without a search warrant, without probable cause, simply because someone somewhere says "hey, this guy might be a threat." No checks and balances, no due process. Nothing. ... "Under the new law, an agent of the Department of Homeland Security can walk into your bank, flash a badge and demand to see your checking and saving account records. No court order. All they need is the "presumption of guilt." They can stop you in your car without cause and search it and you. They can hold you in jail for 30 days or more without filing any charges or allowing you to make any phone calls. ... "Again, the process only requires an internal administrative review and not the involvement of any independent judicial authority," says retired judge Macklin. "It violates all previous standards for due process and probable cause." In other words, they can do any damn thing they want and there isn't a thing that any of us can do about it. " He also included a quote, "An evil exists that threatens every man, woman and child of this great nation," the leader of another country once wrote. "We must take steps to ensure our domestic security and protect our homeland." That was Adolph Hitler writing about the creation of the Gestapo. |
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21 Nov 02 - 02:53 PM (#831856) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Thomas the Rhymer Yeh, well... It's sounding a lot like paranoia to me right about now. All these symptoms of a bigger problem we all are facing... We don't trust our Government... or relish the cheering of lawyers... Does this bother you? I drives me nuts to think that so many of the really well researched amoung us are so prone to paranoid preachings, while the rest just toe the fashionable political line. Where is the "representitive government" that 'serves' the American public? How is this sheepish paranoia going to create an equitable and moral system of profitable peacetime jurisprudence? hmmmmmmmm? ttr |
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21 Nov 02 - 03:10 PM (#831869) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: McGrath of Harlow The really sickening thing is to imagine how this system and this tevchnology is going to mean in some countries. We've always talked about "totalitarian" regimes but it's been an exaggeration. Hitler never had this level of control. Now it's going to be the real thing. 1984 at last. |
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21 Nov 02 - 03:15 PM (#831874) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bobert Darned good question, ttr. Yeah, "where is the "representative government'"? Well, fir starters it ain't in the White House and if ya' couple that *fact* with what the *imposters* are trying to do to the folks who over whelminly DID NOT vote for them in the first place, then I think a good case or paranoia is a good thing to have. Pompous Bobert |
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21 Nov 02 - 03:20 PM (#831880) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bill D didja ever stop to think that, if things had gone slightly differently, Spiro Agnew could have been president in 1984? Watching John Ashcroft + George Bush + Trent Lott and several others beginning their efforts to transform the very fabric of how this government operates gives me cold chills! |
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21 Nov 02 - 03:28 PM (#831885) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bobert Don't worry about a thing, Bill. Trent Bushcroft will be visitin' ya' any day now with a little heat of their own to melt those chills of yours. Just be patient. Now get back to the lathe... Bobert |
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21 Nov 02 - 03:31 PM (#831890) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Amos an equitable and moral system of profitable peacetime jurisprudence? Dear Thomas the RHymer, the question's absurd, Outré and passé, like a quaint Dodo bird! Morality, equity, even ideals Are lost in the windstorm, 'til the public mind reels! Due process, farewell! Bill O' Rights, fond adieu! Consitutional balance, we're coming for you! We don't want misgivings, or calls of "psychotic!", And we'll lock up the skeptics as unpatriotic! A nation of law? Where freedom is certain? An ingenue's dream, say those back of the curtain. We don't need no morals! We're hunting for terror! And we'll find it, or make up our own, make no error. So put away whining, depraved, base, and tearful! It's the Land of the Slave, and the Home of the Fearful! Thomas J. Seuss 2002 |
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21 Nov 02 - 03:52 PM (#831911) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Amos Ya know, back in my day it was a popular liberal educational theme to emphasize the battle for personal rights and freedoms that prompted men to leave their jobs and go fight the British at Bunker Hill, Breed's Hill, Lexington, and on down the East Coast to Monmouth and finally Yorktown. What was emphasized in my sleepy little education was that there were many men who died from Hessian lead and British cannon, and who took the risk of doing so because the notion of freedom was compelling; this is the idealism that fueled the most liberal principles in the Bill of Rights, without which the various States could not agree on a basis for federation. Remember that? I remember being very happy that this passage was made, this battle essentially won, so far back, and believed I could see the benefits of this legacy at work all around me. Looking back today, I can see I was naive, and can only plead youthful idealism. It turns out that the jaded realpolitik and the meat-head cynics, and the militaristic authoritarians, were not subdued, neither there nor at Normandy and Leningrad. Where is Admiral de Grasse when you need him???* I am seriously losing patience with these assholes. A The French Admiral who sailed up from Haiti with 28 French warships in September, 1781, and blockaded the James River and the Chesapeake Bay, preventing any British escape from Yorktown, and guaranteeing Cornwallis' capitulation in early October. |
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21 Nov 02 - 04:02 PM (#831921) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: NicoleC Another big legacy of that war was that many of the mercenaries and foot soldiers "missed" their transports back. They, apparently, thought this freedom thing was an interesting experiment. |
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21 Nov 02 - 05:01 PM (#831964) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Thomas the Rhymer Amos you're a treasure! Amos, come off it, and get with the program Negga self righteous in swiming the flim flam You write off the goodness, embracing cold fear And call to all comers "we're kissing their rear!" Have faith my good man in the rebel inside us Who a slumbering now, will awaken and ride us But only when many can feel the constraints Leading democracies leads to complaints Hoist up the flags and give freedom a call We'll join you when most of us live in a stall In fearing the worst and then casting such blame Your reason's preceeding the source of our shame...ttr Eternal vigillance is the true cost of freedom |
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21 Nov 02 - 05:13 PM (#831969) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Don Firth Once again the question comes up: who is a conservative these days? I always thought a conservative was, by definition, someone who wanted to preserve what we have (had). Question: since our political leaders, when elected to federal office (e.g., the President, et al), take an oath to preserve and protect the Constitution, it seems to me that there are grounds here to impeach the whole bloody lot! (Naw! It'll never happen. . . . ) Don Firth |
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21 Nov 02 - 05:22 PM (#831976) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: DougR Nicole: you gonna set up a camera in MY bedroom? Have at it but you're going to be sorely disappointed in the results. A pure waste of film. Be good. Be nice. Don't terrorize. You'll be alright. DougR |
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21 Nov 02 - 05:24 PM (#831977) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: YOR Charles Mackey's book "Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds" needs a new chapter. This agency would provide some great material, just by being themselves. Many G Brats are going to get mighty fat heads. Self Pride! Priceless! Roy |
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21 Nov 02 - 06:55 PM (#832048) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bat Goddess "I regret for my country when I reflect that God is just." -- (Thomas Jefferson) It's come to this again. Linn |
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21 Nov 02 - 07:52 PM (#832075) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bobert Well, danged, Linn! Me and the Wes Ginny slide rule can't figure out that heady Jefferson stuff. Just one other aspect of the bill I heard something about which I also don't understand. Here, it's perfectly okay fir me to turn my neigbor in but now if you are considerin' becomin' a "whistle blower" against a corporation or guv-ment agency, ya better think twice 'cause there's some anti "whistle blowers" parts to the bill. Nicole: You heard anything about the details on this? I mean, if this is indeed part of the bill, this alone sends a purdy scarey message. Bobert |
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21 Nov 02 - 08:30 PM (#832094) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: McGrath of Harlow So it's all right if America does it - but if this kind of stuff happened in Cuba, for example, I imagine it'd be denounced as an example of intolerable tyranny. And that's what it would be. But who could take seriously that kind of criticism from the USA now? They've given the green light to a new level of Governmental intrusion everywhere. All in the name of defending freedom. It appears that George Orwell correctly anticipated the three slogans of Big Brother's regime: "...WAR IS PEACE FREEDOM IS SLAVERY IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH..." |
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21 Nov 02 - 08:33 PM (#832096) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: NicoleC Rats, I can't find it now. I knew I shoulda quoted it in the first place. Sorry, can't link diretly to the bill. But if someone wants a little light reading for the evening, the text of the bill is at www.senate.gov Go to Legislation & Records Do a search By Number for "HR05005" It'll pull up 5 listings. There's the Senate version, H.R.5005.EAS and the House version, H.R.5005.EAH |
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21 Nov 02 - 08:46 PM (#832104) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: McGrath of Harlow Here's the link to the various versions of the bill |
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21 Nov 02 - 08:46 PM (#832106) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Neighmond Sad as it is, i think the time for free speech is nearly over. Sad as it is, i think the time of our fathers is long past. There is no Unity in the United States. Class division, ethenic and racial devision, gender devision, the list goes on. We all remember the old man who, calling his sons to his bedside, bade them each bring along a stick. As we all know, the bundled sticks would not break under all the might they mustered. Alone the sticks broke with ease. Would we all gather together to defeat a common foe, be they foriegn or domestic? I think the time has come to decide, and that right quick. Please overlook the spelling errors, and hear the hillbilly out- Cry the nation! For the flower of the past Doth wilt in the wake of thy whithering blast! Our foundation's crumbled, Our pinnings are gone Consumed in the fire of an unholy dawn "The new ways are better" is the cry of the realm "And a fearless new leader hath taken the helm!" He'll roust out the devils wherever they be Suffer the witches! He's coming for thee! He'll search in the valleys he'll scour the flats The mountains and seaside, and airwaves, at that! They know what you purchase They know what you sell They know who is going to heaven, and hell. They'll know what your taking And what's left at honme Check, sir? or Credit? A government loan? And what doth they do With the things they discover Why they put them in files, where they might help uncover Uncover, discover Divulge and bring light to The larsoneous schemes Johnny Public hath been up to! Do you really not know? MUST I explain? If We've freedom to lose, we've nothing to gain! Don't pine for the past Don't weep for what's done Another era's newly begun! Thus into the darkness Let us ride unmolested Tho'our ranks be assailed, our cause be contested Let us rise up to greet them Let us show them our might Let us gather united, let us rear up and fight! If we must die in battle Then let it be done That we leave a FREE COUNTRY to those yet to come! And if we fall fighting Our freedoms to save We'd not live to enjoy it, our reward is the grave. And the grave so lonely as cold as the clay Is better than living in fear every day! And if we go meekly Hoping others will fight We'll be waiting forever, relief not in sight. "They won't bother ME" Is the cowards' cry "There are all of these others that are far worse than I!" When the voices are stilled That once were so plenty and they work their way down to the least of the many, And what will you do O citizen abiding? Will you come up a'blazing or go into hiding? Let us not bring ourselves To that sad ruination But rise up united and take back our nation! For a body united Is a force undefiable and a coutry devided is unreconsilable. When we show them our might And force unrelenting Their wickedness and greed they'll soon be repenting Send word to the capitol! Send word to D.C. We'll all stand TOGETHER to keep AMERICA FREE |
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21 Nov 02 - 09:00 PM (#832113) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Thomas the Rhymer Nicely said Neighmond, very well spoken indeed! |
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21 Nov 02 - 09:33 PM (#832141) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bobert Yes, well said, fir a fellow hillbilly that is. And, yes, Amercia is in the battle of it's life because it is very much at war with its own. Unlike the 60's, this is some very serious stuff going down that makes the 60's look like a friendly argument between two old friends. Democracy was never at stake but is now. Freedom? Liberty! Expression of thought? Orwell's America has arrived and America will *never* again be the same. Melodrama? Nah, just reality. BUT just fir good measure, this ol' hillbilly ain't got no quit and I'll be in D.C. at least being counted as one who wouldn't go quietly. And I hope many of you will, also... Resist Bobert |
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21 Nov 02 - 09:37 PM (#832145) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Amos Wow.... A |
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21 Nov 02 - 09:52 PM (#832154) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: DougR Bobert sez, "America is in a battle for it's life." Now that I agree with, Bobert, but the enemy is terrorism, not our government. I will proceed to duck at this point because I'm sure all of you who who see the Homeland Security Act as an invasion on your personal liberties will not agree with my POV. McGrath: you're being mighty vocal about a law that doesn't affect the United Kingdom. Did I miss something. or did Tony Blair push through a similar act in the UK? DougR |
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21 Nov 02 - 10:03 PM (#832160) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bobert I'm half way there, Doug, and have pointed out many times in the past that the US has done an excellent job in creatin' plenty of folks in the terorists sign up lines and now that your guy says, "Awww, heck with it. We might have created some of these folks but no matter, we're gonna get 'em!" he turns his attention to other wars while this one he's loosing. Yeah, he catches *someone* today who is somewhere between a *no body* and a *big Al Queda Cheeze" (who knows, he wasn't on the big ol' top 20 picture list...) but for the most part, the US is loosing not only Afganistan to the warloards but the "War on Terrorism" to Republican politics... Bobert |
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21 Nov 02 - 10:15 PM (#832165) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: DougR Gee, I don't know, Bobert. From reports I'm hearing on television, President Bush is getting a pretty good reception over there in the old country, and even Germany seems to be softening it's criticizm of (I never can remember how you refer to him) Bushie? Lots of countries seem more inclined to line up with ?Bushie, and his reputation (among your friends) as being totally a country bumpkin might be fading into the West (other than with your friends who will never reverse their opinion). Other than that, is it getting cold in West Virginia? We are getting the kind of weather in Arizona that almost makes it worthwhile living here in the summers. DougR |
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21 Nov 02 - 11:29 PM (#832195) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Little Hawk "Eternal vigillance is the true cost of freedom" (Thomas the Rhymer quoted that above) Yes... OR... "Eternal vigilance is the true indication of paranoia, fear, and hatred." Either statement could be equally apt...depending on what one is being vigilant about, how one is applying one's vigilance, upon whom one is applying it, and in what manner, and upon what justification. The Nazis were eternally vigilant. So was Stalin. So is Israel. So is Al-Queda. So is Saddam. So is the CIA. So was the KGB. So was Al Capone. In other words, eternal vigilance can also be seen as the true measure of dictatorship, oppression, crimial behaviour and/or madness. My, aren't they an agreeable bunch, these eternally vigilant people? Imagine the fun involved in living under the rule of the eternally vigilant. Gotta love it, eh? I'm glad I'm in Canada, where we are still only mildly vigilant...and yes, if Al Queda bombs Toronto, I will STILL be glad I am in Canada where we are only mildly vigilant, and I hope we will never descend to the incredible fear-mongering I see happening south of the border. Our PM is making the usual noises about Canada's next military contribution to the next multi-national folly, but that's just cos he knows who funds the corporations who fund the political parties who fund guys like him. BTW, I have always been a mildly vigilant person. This has made me harmless and likeable, and kept me young. The eternally vigilant are usually a curse upon their neighbours both near and far in this ever smaller world we live in, because they have never considered remedying the essential and original problems...human disunity and inequality of opportunity. The eternally vigilant in my school were the bullies... The human race is one family. A family that doesn't share the basics equally amongst themeselves is dysfunctional and unjust. There will be further conflict and bloodshed until that is addressed realistically, which it hasn't been, thus far. All those shedding the blood (the "vigilant") will believe they are doing it on behalf of a suffering humanity. They see themselves as holy warriors. All of them. Even those who claim to be atheists. Makes no difference what they call themselves...they are all, on a conscious level, "defending" what they consider holy, just, and true in their own terms. Every attacker believes he is defending what is right. Better then, to focus not on what is "right" or "wrong" (subjective value judgements) but on what is beneficial to all concerned: To live and let live. The only game worth playing, in the end, is a game in which everyone wins. Try telling that to a competitive society...which has founded itself on the very principles of disunity and survival of the "fittest" (meaning: the rich, the well-armed, and the most ruthless). I've always been into aiming for perfection...never been into competition. I compete with my own past performance, and that's it. - LH |
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22 Nov 02 - 12:57 AM (#832218) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: mack/misophist Under the rules of the Inquisition, a legal denunciation was an anonymous letter nailed to a church door. Sound familiar? The greatest of all freedoms any citizen of any country may claim is the freedom to be left alone. Once upon a time we had that. |
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22 Nov 02 - 02:49 AM (#832235) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Hrothgar I am only an outside observer of USA legal practice, so I might be wrong here. Surely this legislation can never survive a Constitutional test in your Supreme Court - even with the current limitatons of that Court? I am curious to know the attitude of the average policeman to this stuff, given the limitations and conditions on the acceptability of evidence in normal criminal cases. When they start burning witches, you don't have to be a witch to get burned. |
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22 Nov 02 - 05:51 AM (#832325) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: poetlady As to what Rick Fielding said, I'm sorry to say, you can't rely on the "angry youth." Most of them couldn't name the Vice President, let alone protest. The majority of the other young people I know have no idea in Hades what's going on. Anyway, protest would probably require getting up off their fat, lazy bums. I'd rather risk getting blown up by terrorists than be watched over my shoulder all the time, if it really came down to that. What's disturbing is that our government is doing this in the name of freedom. They're going against of everything we say we stand for, in the very name of the ideals they're violating. Not wanting to be monitored has nothing to do with doing anything wrong, quite the contrary. Most Americans aren't the sort of folks who'd commit any terrorist acts, yet the government wants to watch their every move. I think it is a vast waste of money and resources anyway. Finding terrorists this way will be very difficult because of the sheer volume of the information they'll gather. (That doesn't keep it from being an effective way to harass Arab-Americans or even people someone in the government doesn't like.) As to Hrothgar's question, I think this will cause a lawsuit or two. We'll just have to see what the Supreme Court does with it. I'd like to think it would be ruled unconstitutional. (Of course, I'd like to think that Americans would never even seriously consider taking measures like this in the first place, so I might be entirely incorrect.) |
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22 Nov 02 - 11:28 AM (#832605) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: NicoleC Hrothgar, we have a few legal precendents, none of them very hopeful. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court is made up up very political people. The idea of a lifetime appointment is to allow them the freedon to leave political affiliations behind, buit in reality I think they are too infected by the time they've gone through decades of politics to get there. So in reality, the Supreme Court rarely challenges the other branches of government directly, even though that's their job. As to those precendents, Lincoln's secret military courts weren't tossed out as unconstitutional for a long time. The internment of Japanese-Americans wasn't declared unconstitutional until Dec 1944. So it works sometimes. But not all of these cases gets to the Supreme Court. And until they are actually used against a person, they can't' be challenged. In 1934, striking textile workers were rounded up by the National Guard and placed in internment camps. Then, of course, there's Operation Garden Plot, which is a blueprint for mass-arrests and joint US-Canadian internment camps for civil dissenters. |
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22 Nov 02 - 12:15 PM (#832650) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: GUEST,Forum Lurker First they came for the Arabs, But I did not speak out, Because I was not an Arab. Then they came for the civil rights activists, But I did not speak out, Because I was not a civil rights activist. Then they came for the Greens. But I did not speak out, Because I was not a Green. Then they came for me, And there was no one left to speak for me. |
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22 Nov 02 - 12:15 PM (#832652) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: GUEST,Taliesn Well, Rev.Bobert , some of us who remember the new National Security "Emergency Powers" plan inspired by the assasination attempt on Reagan AND the rise of MidEast terrorism atlarge written by some whoim were exposed in the Iran/Contra Affair ( Prime architect CIA Dir Willam Casey didn't life to testify ) knew it was comin'. Too tempting to pass up. All that was missing in the 80's was the "digital networking" to carry it out. Well now Citizen Gate's and Citizen Ballmer's Microsoft have 90% of that network's software and is making substantial headway selling it's "Road Ahead" bill of goods to the Fed Gubment and the Fed's adoption of its OS and future planned eccumenical infrestructure has just been given fresh oxygen. So are the individualized National Databased tatooed barcodes on the wrist & forehead far off? Depends how "vigilant " we all bother to be. Paranoid ?, Nah. This is just standard operating proceedure when even the appearance of acheiving absolute power " for our own good" comes so close the powers that be can taste it. Remeber, all that was ever missing was the technology and the oppurtunity. Both have come to pass and now the will to use has just been willingly "voted in ". They say you don't know what you got till it's gone. Perhaps Amercia needs the sting of this "Big Chill" to wake it up over what it just willingly gave away. The problem is, whom will step on their neighbor who speaks out because "I don't want no trouble. Everyone goes along with it and it''s for our collective good so knock it off or so help me I'll turn you in " Now whom amongst us thinks it "can't happen here"? ;-) Neither runnin' nor hidin' , but just watching like a hawk ready to sqawk. ;-) |
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22 Nov 02 - 12:26 PM (#832662) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Thomas the Rhymer Hi little... seems you went to town with my little quote... ;^)... I'm sad now that I can not recall the person who coined this gem, but I think it was from revolutionary America in the late 1700s... Taken out of context, it could indeed be used to further fascism, but then again, most of the pithy statements that fascists have used were coopted bits of "out of context"... I do believe that this little quote is meant to inspire people to stay aware of the potential conflicts around them, and keep freedom's fire burning bright. Naturally, when the big liasons get ahold of the "personal empowerment for individual freedom" constructs, there is trouble ahead for the common man/woman... ttr |
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22 Nov 02 - 03:07 PM (#832799) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: McGrath of Harlow My point is that this is the green light for other rulers to follow America's lead. If it can happen in America, where you've got a tradition of resisting over-mighty givernment, and of having entrenched civil liberties, it can happen anywhere. Very easily in this country. Most places don't even have those protections, which are now turning out to be not worth the paper they are written on. |
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22 Nov 02 - 04:04 PM (#832862) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Little Hawk Yeah, Thomas. Like most great quotes, it can be used either in defence of a great good...or in furtherance of a great evil. This is typical of political rhetoric, and that's why we must look past 30-second sound bites in order to understand what's happening in the world today. Alas, I don't think the News Media care. They are just entertaining the public in order to sell commercial product, and they are wittingly or unwittingly carrying out Big Brother's propaganda program for him at the same time. The most desirable state of affairs from the point of view of a military-industrial system is to maintain a constant level of fear, and a constant, but controllable level of combat in distant places with opponents who can't possibly win...but who will provide a convenient "enemy" on which to focus the desired levels of fear. The last thing a military-industrial system wants is the achievement of universal peace, equality, and brotherhood. That would mean the end of them and their System. That doesn't mean it's impossible...just that they will do almost anything required to prevent it from ever occuring. - LH |
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22 Nov 02 - 04:10 PM (#832866) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: GUEST,a neighbor I just think you all ought to know that I'm taking down everything you say. |
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22 Nov 02 - 04:46 PM (#832901) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Neighmond Take your notes, write in your book Tell them I said their as dumb as they Look! I they ask you who said so, shout out with glee: "'tis Chaz, the hillbilly, and he plans to stay FREE!" If they ask you "Where is he?" then quickly reply: "On the back roads and highways, preaching 'LIVE FREE or DIE!'" If they ask you "what does this hillbilly do?" Tell them "He's blowing the whistle on YOU!" "And if you come for him I'll not go a'sitting But kicking and screaming, and fighting and spitting!" When they as "In whose name, does he say what he'll say?" Tell them "In the name of the WHOLE U. S. A.!!" |
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22 Nov 02 - 04:50 PM (#832904) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Neighmond "Their" should be "they're" in the first stanza. "as" should be "ask" in the last stanza. Sorry about that Chaz |
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22 Nov 02 - 05:56 PM (#832949) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bobert Chaz: You jus' keep them verses comin', bro. Yir couz, Bobert |
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22 Nov 02 - 06:27 PM (#832973) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Thomas the Rhymer Don't be too sorry, whistle a tune Go for it charley, with eileen aroon The woods and the meadows make freedom much clearer Your hilbilly brain is to me so much dearer The gated soot city, with all it's debris Has guttered the runoff of dreamier pleas Which owing to influence all our positions Such safety for fascists and false inquisitions Call forth the fighter in freedom uncommon'd From the strength of the woodlands a wiser man neighmond For freedom deserts those who will not see forward In favor of minnions who think when they're ordered So show us our ways neighmond read us the signs Stand us right up with your good country twines Reach into our hearts with encouraging voice Reminding us all that we still have a choice And choosing is easy when pushed to the wall But fighting is harder, long ignoring the call We stand as united, in strength not assunder Till corruption and greed turn to gardens of wonder! ttr |
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22 Nov 02 - 06:37 PM (#832978) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: McGrath of Harlow Every step of the way this Bush adninistration seems to be doing precisely what Osama Bin Laden and friends would surely want it to do, eroding the kind of things that make people around the world admire America (rather than just envying it for its wealth), and bringing to the fore all those things that go in the opposite direction. Remember that movie "Invasion of the Bodysnatchers"? |
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22 Nov 02 - 08:36 PM (#833078) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Little Hawk Nice poetry, guys! Poets are usually "subversives" in the eyes of society's watchdogs. - LH |
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22 Nov 02 - 10:45 PM (#833179) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Amos For those of you seeking a more down-to-earth reasonf why the United States prepares itself for war at this time, please see this explanation. A |
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23 Nov 02 - 12:50 AM (#833231) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: NicoleC No, no, Kevin, you have it all wrong. When Arabs or Asians hold people in secret prisons without probable cause, deny them legal counsel, try them by secret military tribunals from which there is no appeal, and keep dossiers on the political activities of their citizens so they can spot dissenters, it's OPPRESSION. When America does it, it's PROTECTING FREEDOM. Unless it's Saudi Arabia, Turkey or Israel, in which case it's only a vicious, unsubstantiated rumor. |
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23 Nov 02 - 01:11 AM (#833241) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bert Some FBI agent has been monitoring the Mudcat. Oh Doug I LOVE IT. Lets keep up all our whacky nonsense and see what conclusions they draw from it. I'm surprised that our crazy Mudcatter Gargoyle hasn't responded to this. He has the best answer, get yourself an alter ego (or many of them). It it's data they want, let's give it to them lots of it, most of it wrong. When some one asks for your social security number (or any other info), get it wrong. Just one digit will be enough to throw them off. If anyone takes you to task about this. "Ooh, I can never remember numbers, I must have got it wrong". Make sure that, whatever information you are asked for, at least some of it is wrong. It's difficult enough to keep good records even if the data is correct. If we all strive to make just one little mistake every time then all of their data will become worthless. And if they ever get a camera in your bedroom, give 'em a good show. |
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23 Nov 02 - 04:34 PM (#833434) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Little Hawk Bert, those are admirable suggestions. I think you are on the right track. - LH |
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23 Nov 02 - 10:42 PM (#833641) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Neighmond Thank you, Sir Thomas for encouragement bold 'tis through jesters and bards that truth be told. |
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24 Nov 02 - 12:19 AM (#833679) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: DougR Bert: I probably shouldn't let the cat out of the bag, but I have it on pretty good authority (The Guardian) that L. H. is an undercover agent for the FBI. Don't repeat that though, and if you say you got it from me, I'll deny it! DougR |
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24 Nov 02 - 12:22 AM (#833681) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: DougR Oh, and one more thing, Bert. Bobert is reported to be a dual agent. He is an executive (very high) at General Motors but is an undercover agent for the CIA. Do not pass that along, however. DougR |
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24 Nov 02 - 12:27 AM (#833683) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Little Hawk Yeah, well, I have it on good authority that DougR is on the CEHC ((Committee to Elect Hilary Clinton (in 2004)). He is simply trying to make conservatives look bad by advancing spurious arguments on their behalf. For heaven's sake, don't blow his cover if you want to see Hilary back in the White House!!! - LH |
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24 Nov 02 - 09:27 AM (#833816) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bobert Come on, Doug, I'm a Ford man. And further more I ain't been "very high" since the 60's. General Motors... ^$#&*^*^$#*&)*&&%$^$#.... hate Chevys...&^%$%$@&%(&^*$#... danged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bobert |
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24 Nov 02 - 12:48 PM (#833925) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: McGrath of Harlow I imagine anyone regularly logging on here will be on the blacklist in any case. Consorting with subversive riff-raff - it doesn't look too good. |
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24 Nov 02 - 01:35 PM (#833957) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Little Hawk Maybe everyone will end up on the blacklist. Then we'd finally have achieved a form of human unity on this planet. - LH |
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24 Nov 02 - 01:39 PM (#833961) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Thomas the Rhymer For those misguided individuals that stroke the 'big brother' wantabees, Orwell's 1984 is a upotian vision. I'm relatively certain that the phrase "How many fingers am I holding up?" brings a squeemish delight into the control freak's fettish! Those of us that insist on calling it as we see it (four fingers you ninny...), tend to be thought of as traitors by the current inquisition... IMHO, these guys need to make enemies, that they might have any self esteem at all... Why the consistant refusal to encourage ANY seriously peaceful solutions... Spying creates suspicion, and suspicious people sometimes try to justify terrible intrusions... that fit into none of the spiritual teachings I've ever found... ttr |
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24 Nov 02 - 06:13 PM (#834094) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: DougR Arghhhhhhhhh! McGrath! You mean I could be found guilty by association? Arghhhhhhhhhh! DougR |
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24 Nov 02 - 09:29 PM (#834206) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bobert Hmmmmmmmm? Let's check on everyone's bank records, telepohone records but if someone wants to buy a couple hundred assault rifles, well, ain't none of our business. They gonna fight terrorist's or spy on a bunch of folk singers? Okay, Mr. Poindexter and Mr. Ridge, here's what you've been waiting for!!!! Umm, MY FELLOW CATTERS (sorry to yell...)! Mr. Poindexter and Mr. Ridge want to know if any of you people are terrorists. You know, like written a check, or have a telephone. Hey, that basement full of assault rifles and the 40,000 round of ammo don't mean a thing, so don't worry about 'em. But now... ahhh, folks with telephones???? Hmmmm? That's a different story... Bobert |
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25 Nov 02 - 12:21 AM (#834260) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: DougR Ok, Bobert. I confess. I am NOT a terrorist. DougR |
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25 Nov 02 - 03:55 AM (#834333) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Hrothgar Doug, you're associating with them. That's just as good. |
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25 Nov 02 - 11:05 AM (#834570) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: DougR Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! |
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25 Nov 02 - 11:32 AM (#834595) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: Bobert Well, danged, that's "1" non-terrorist Catter! Any others? Hey, don't be afraid to step up *just* 'cause you own a phone. Owning a phone does not *automatically* make you a terrorist not more than an arsonal in the basement makes you a pacifist... Or something like that? Actaully , I'm kinda liking Admiral Poindexter keepin' an eye on my checkbook and sent him an email askin' him to notify me if I my balance got too low since I have free checking if I maintain a certain balance. Yeah, I'm likin' this more and more. Bobert |
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25 Nov 02 - 11:37 AM (#834604) Subject: RE: BS: Spy cameras in your bedroom? From: GUEST,Taliesn The problem I see , that some obviously have missed so far , is the potential for abuse by "The Party in Power" to use this system to make sure that they "stay" in power . Nixon used domestic intelligence gathering resources to dig up so-called "private" info ( meidacl records ,IRS records,etc ) on what he considered as his *personal* political adversaries. Question: D'ya think John Pointdexter doesn't have a few folks he'd just love to delivr "paybacks" to since he was convinced he was being *ideologically correct* and sees those that undid what heand dead CIA director Willaim Casey set out to acheive as "unpatriotic". Gee, d'ya think one can imagine a world where you could be denied a loan, a viable credit history, a job position, a job with said firm entirely ,etc. via "the network" if you were reported , unbeknownst to you, that you were heard to dare to criticize the legacy of Ronald Reagan ; especially after his imminent passing. To all of those of Right-wing Republican persusion; I *do* harbor a rather striking sense of foreboding for life in a *One Party Federal Government* ( Supreme Court packing is next ) when Reagan is *officially Canonized* and woe be to those who would continue any expression of *free speech* that wpould dare to sully the *official legacy* as the history books are *oficially updated*. Think it can't happen here. Thnks to C-Span, I have already seen the unabashed self-avowed Right-wing Reagan-worship advocate ; one Grover Norquist who wont rest until Reagan's likeness is added to nothing less than Mt. Rushmore. Those whom did *not* witness the vehemence with which the Republican-controlled Congress ( 1994-2001 ) fought and won to have Washingtoon National Airport have its name *officially* changed ,by fiat, to Ronald Reagan National Airport . If you did not witness the self-righteous political posturing of the pro-speeches then you have literally *no* idea what the right-wing of the Republican party will do next once they use their One Part supremacy to then go on to control the Supreme Court. Expect a lot of Constitutional Admendments promoted which means, if any one of them gins national traction, would cause to convene a Constitutional Convention where *all* proposed amendments would be put on the docket. Know that without the "balance" of decenting control of atleast one house of Congress the Republican Revolution of Newt Gingrich's Congress attempted several times a Constitutional Admendment for "Prayer in Schools" , "Balanced Budget" requirement *except* during *National Emergencies* like we are in now , " Federal Crime to Burn the american Flag ". Be vigilant or be afraid, be very afraid. ;-) Watching 'em like a hawk and comin' out sqawkin' |