Originally posted by Phillip Tanaka
I can see what you're saying with this quote and the one about computers and hacking. And if you were to ask me if I'd be nervous in a world like Judge Dredd, I'd have to honestly say that I'd be more than a little nervous. But the thing is, why would the government or whoever come after you? I believe that you are innocent of any crime you may be charged with, simply on the basis that there is no evidence to suggest otherwise. Give me an example where people have been sentenced or deported or otherwise punished for a crime where there was no evidence and I may think diffirently. Also...
Oh... Let me see...
I know a guy (in Germany) that was almost dragged to court because of the DeCSS thingy.
I know of someone else (here in Austria) that got beaten up by the police just for being at a place at the wrong time (no, no crime did happen there or something, just some nutball cops.).
I/my family also lost at least one case in court where by any sane standards we could not have lost.
To take another example from the USA: After the 9.11. The FBI handed out a list of people they wanted to talk to to various institutions (for example casinos in las vegas). Not all terrorists or even suspects, most just people they wanted to talk to. So far so good. The FBI even updated said lists to remove people they already got. So far so good. Not so good that said lists spred. Some innocents on there have been arrested numerous times by now. Others have been rejected for jobs countless times as those ancient lists are now also used to screen employees.
I know of a game designer that was arrested and lost at least 1 year of work because the FBI claimed he was doing/supporting cybercrimes when he did a GAME about hacking.
Bottom line is you can get into trouble for stuff you cannot even imagine. And in that case I'd like to at least have a decent chance to get out of it with only a blue eye.
Also I'd bet some money that I was closer scanned after the 9.11.
Why? Well I worked on the airport Rhein Main (Frankfurt) before and after that time. I could freely go everywhere there also on the flight field or into most security areas (excluding only the tower and some few others)..
I also worked for a Biotec company afterwards.
I also send encrypted messages regulary as well as using encrypted phone lines - what should I say I am a bit paranoid.
Combining all that aspects that gives an interesting profile, doesn't it?
What do you know? In a paranoid enough society that might be enough.
Not that people aren't arrested for less - just for skin color or place of birth - in some countries.
What I say is watch that it doesn't happen in yours as well!
If I look at guantanamo bay (probably spelled wrong) the USA already stepped over that border. It is almost sure that there are some innocents there as well. Also terrorists or no terrorists, all humans got human rights that are not covered there.
Lines can be crossed very fast and it is often hard to get back without a war (see the 2nd World War if you need an overused example)
Originally posted by Phillip Tanaka
Now, think of soldier not so much in the litrial sense, but think police and prosecuters fighting for truth and justice. Doctors and firefighters fighting to save lives. Ordinary people with the same everyday problems as you and me, who fight to be the best they can be, or maybe through some effort of their own accomplish a feat that changes the course of people's lives.
Oh, I believe that at least most people thry their best to do the right thing. Just that 2 problems arise:
* People make mistakes
* People look for their self first. So do companies. So do governments.
To drag out another corpse of the US government: AFAIK the USA is in theory still under war law (is that the right word? martial law maybe?). Some president (I don't recall who) did suspend 'democracy' for some crisis (probably Cuba, but as I said my memory is very bad here). Never has been restored formally. Don't believe this was just overlooked. By that 'slipup' G.W. Bush can go to war that fast as he is without needing to go through a lot of institutions first.
And we only know of some very few things. What plots do you think that your secet agencies are planning in secret? And be sure they are...
Originally posted by Phillip Tanaka
Lemme tell you now. Don't believe everything you're told as the holy writ.
I don't. I try to always hear other sides or at least unbiased ones as well. But then what do you really know about the world?
<extreme paranoia mode on>
For all I know you could be a CIA man just trying to modify my believes of the USA to your advantage. Or you could be a terrorist trying to lure me into his group. Do I know that the CNN I see is really the one you see? Maybe it is a local propaganda station?
<extreme paranoia mode off>
Originally posted by Phillip Tanaka
Yes, I agree. It would be nice to stop this from happening in the first place. I only wish it was that easy. There will always be some nut case out there. And when that nut case runs in with a bomb screaning something along the lines of 'I die for Allah' or 'I die for cause', what can you do?
Of course you can never stop an idividual madman.
I think we are a rather peaceful country, but just look at our mail terrorist that sent bombs in letters to various foreigner friendly people and organisations over years. Some people still like the philosophy of Hitler obviously.
There is a fundamental difference between single people and whole organisations however. And taking the wind out of their sails is 'rather easy'.
I don't know what it would take to stop the arabic crisis, but one puzzle piece is clear: Israel. That one for sure has to be solved.
This is a step I'd push if I were Bush, not bringing in more troops.
