This is so outrageous I almost don’t know what to say. I guess just “wow.” In one school district in PA the school admins are spying on kids with the webcams on computers the kids get through school while at home. And it came to light when they chose to try and punish a student for conduct while at home. How creepy is that?
School used student laptop webcams… [boingboing]
An obviously delusional and ignorant elementary school principal in NYC hauled in a 4th grader, made him write a confession, and suspended him. For playing with a Lego policeman figure (at his lunch period) with a tiny little plastic gun… I guess that makes her feel like a big person or something.
We see the lack of common sense in society and wonder why people can’t make more intelligent decisions. Kids learn far more by example than lecture and look at what example we are setting for them. This insane “zero tolerance” idea has to go. Humans are reasoning creatures, use some of that capability once in a while.
Patrick Timoney’s “Gun” [This is True Blog]
Grrrr. Instead of constantly telling us how the Constitution doesn’t apply, how about the feds leave us alone?
Feds push for tracking cell phones [cnet.com]
What? Oh sorry, I meant: ¿qué? I agree that immigrants need to be working towards learning English but this is just stupid.
Ex-CMS secretary says she was fired after she kept speaking Spanish to Latino parents [Charlotte Observer]
If you haven’t heard of the latest security toy “backscatter x-ray” then you are living under a rock (and didn’t see my last post.) There has been quite a bit of outrage in the UK where they are becoming mandatory in the airports. Supposedly the best thing for security since sliced bread, there is no possible way for people’s privacy to be violated. I also have a bridge I can sell you for a very good price sir…
Exposed: Naked Body Scanner Images Of Film Star Printed, Circulated By Airport Staff [PrisonPlanet]
Yes, I’m still alive–just been really busy…
So, I ran across a disturbing article a few days ago. Many people worried about encroachment on our basic liberties, including myself, tend to throw around the term Orwellian a lot. A new proposal in the UK though takes it to a new level. They actually want to put 24/7 video surveillance inside the homes of the “worst” families. All that’s missing is the monitor showing the face of Big Brother. The UK has become the surveillance society but seriously, what the hell?
Sin Bins for Worst Families [Daily Express]
ArsTechnica has an excellent article laying out why the major ISP’s claims that they need data caps to avoid financial ruin just don’t hold water. Just like their opposition to the various “net neutrality” proposals we continue to see evidence of what we already expected–they are just being greedy.
Now, the libertarian side of me believes in a free capitalist market. But keep in mind that in most areas the major telcos/cable operators have a government-approved and somewhat protected monopoly. That isn’t a free market and the lack of competition means they don’t truly operate at the levels that the “market would bear” without such constructs.
In areas where there is more competition we see things can be done better at some pretty amazing costs. However, the major players are always ready to fiercely protect their restricted markets even lobbying government to actively prohibit municipal and other independent providers. I call foul. For a recent example, just see what Time Warner is doing in North Carolina.
ISP’s costs, revenues don’t support… [ars technica]
Time Warner lobbies government… [neowin]
What do you think?
As a followup to my post from a few days ago, I want to point out an excellent commentary by Glenn Greenwald. Not only is the Obama DOJ embracing telco immunity but are basically claiming the government is immune period! I think we have been duped my friends. Go read Glenn’s analysis now, as usual it is well thought out and documented.
New and worse… [Salon]
I am becoming increasingly disappointed in the Obama administration. It seems that on critical liberties issues, the President is caving. Whether it’s at least tacit approval of the warrantless wiretapping of citizens (link) or promises to defend the immunity of the telcos that enabled warrantless spying (link), this is not the “change” I was hoping for.
Now Mother Jones reports (link) that a bill has been introduced in the Senate that not only would grant the President to shutdown any network (public or private) but also give the Secretary of Commerce cart blanche to access any data regardless of any laws or regulations. Hopefully this insane proposal dies before it ever reaches the Oval Office.
There are a host of other troubling stances as well that I may discuss later. Very, very disappointed. I guess it’s just an impossible dream to have an administration that truly believes in the principles of the Constitution and respects The People.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
- President Barack Obama
Amen Mr. President. I have hope…
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