Why is it that those institutions that might once have played an extraordinary role in keeping the conversation going are now actively trying to curtail it? Is it any surprise that these two colleges, factories that producing corporate knowledge workers, have missed the concept that students are customers, not commodities to be packaged and redistributed?
Eric Norlin, who apparently has some experience in the Intelligence community, shares his thoughts.
It light of recent events, some people might find the item below to be a bit off kilter. But I think it’s important, especially in times like these, that the civil liberties that comprise the very foundation of our civilization and thread through our daily lives are under direct attack by the vicious actions of September 11th. Calls are already going out to curtail these liberties in the pursuit of justice, security, and peace. I think we should temper those inclinations with the realization that, by restricting those freedoms we hold most dear, we are aiding and abetting those who would use terror to defeat us.
As the gap in comments below should be obvious to anyone reading, I too am at a loss for words. I’ve been trying these last few days to find solace in the words of others, and hope to have a few enlightening items up here soon.
In the meantime, you can find out how to give blood by calling 1-800-HELP NOW. Monetary donations are also being taken directly through the Red Cross as well as through several other channels.
K5 features a discussion of a Wired article that details a new bill to be offered up in Congress this fall. There are a multitude of reasons why this seemingly smart idea to defend the rights of artists is actually a blad faced invasion of privacy rights and a further devolution of fair use. In essense, the new law would make it:
…a civil offense to create or sell any kind of computer equipment that “does not include and utilize certified security technologies” approved by the federal government.
If you’re interested in doing something about this, you can start by visiting EPIC.org.
My local Starbucks (cookies required, sorry) is running a 30th anniversary promo where, for $30, you get a coffee tumbler and free refills though October 31st. I like this for 2 reasons: I did the math, and I figure since I stop there every morning for coffee anyway, I’m lucking out. Second, I own their stock, so the more of you out there that become fellow caffeine addicts, the better off I am, financially. So come on people, it’s time to put in the effort and help grow my savings!
