Category Archives: government, law, and politics

Representative Government?

This is an interesting site that’s a rallying point for those opposed to current US anti-terrorist policies. While, I agree that we’re going too far, I do not believe it’s an issue of oil. Jerry says it better:

"I am very concerned about some of the privacy intrusions and some of the detainment policies of suspected terrorists, but I do not think of this as ‘war for oil’ transaction, and even most of the anti-war politicians do not stoop to such simplicity–if we want oil, we’ll drill in the ANWR or get it off the Russians. Sure the Iraqis have plenty, but the dangers and capital required are not good business. I do agree that we should protect the rights of those oppose ‘the war’, and we should not deem entire countries or peoples evil (regimes are a different matter!). This petition, therefore, is not in my name. :)"

Not In Our Name

The Not In Our Name Project is a national network of individuals and organizations committed to standing with the people of the world. As the Not in Our Name Pledge of Resistance states, "we believe that as people living in the United States it is our responsibility to resist the injustices done by our government, in our names." Our mission is to build, strengthen and expand resistance to stop the U.S. government’s entire course of war and repression being waged in the name of "fighting terrorism."

Gee, How I Love Unions

It seems AFL-CIO is buddy-buddy with those who oppose web radio. !@#$% UNIONS!!! I guess hosing the steel industry in the US wasn’t enough damage for them.

Artists willing to kill webcasting for a check that may total $0?
By Kurt Hanson

“Apparently, the biggest potential block to HR 5469 – the bill that would have created a six-month delay and cooling off period – is the AFL-CIO objecting on behalf of recording artists. “

At Least We Have Freedom of Speech and Press

America has more than its fair share of problems and failings, but we have more freedoms than Europeans, as evidenced by this article.

Report: Sites Missing From Google
By ANICK JESDANUN

"What you get through Google's powerful and popular search engines may depend on where you live."

"A report Thursday from Harvard Law School found at least 100 sites missing from search results when accessing Google sites meant for French and German users."

"Most of the missing sites are ones that deny the Holocaust or promote white supremacy. France and Germany have strict laws banning hate speech, while the United States favors freedom of expression even for unpopular viewpoints."

"The sites themselves were not blocked. But the effect is the same when users cannot find them, said Danny Sullivan, editor of SearchEngineWatch.com."

SUV Drivers = Terrorists?

Ah…You know how if you want to destroy someone's credibility, you inflate certain things they say and create a strawman? Well, some people kindly do that for you, and advocate such crackbrained things you just have to tell the truth and people who aren't complete knobs will be appropriately disgusted/angered/contemptuous.

Well, ladies and gentleman, Peter Singer of Princeton is one of those people, and this time our lionized Princeton ethicist claims that SUV drivers are morally equivalent to the 9/11 terrorists. This link was courtesy of the Wall Street Journal's Best of the Web page, which has had some real gems before.

Web Radio Lives

Web Music Keeps Streaming–For Now
Music labels, Webcasters reach compromise that won’t kill small online stations with stiff fees.
By Michelle Madigan

“WASHINGTON–After a week of nonstop negotiations, Webcasters and the recording industry have struck a deal designed to keep small Internet radio stations in business.”