Archive for February, 2008
I read this story on Slashdot today and it was enough to make me want to rip my hair out.
Last spring, the U.S. Army issued orders for soldiers to stop posting to blogs or sending personal e-mail messages, without first clearing the content with a superior officer, reported Wired.
Now the military has deemed blogs such a threat that they are blocking URL’s with the word “blog” in them.
This is absolutely ridiculous. When did free speech become the enemy?
February 28th, 2008
West-Virginia joined the revolt against the REAL ID today! Yay!
The legislation managed to slide through after almost dying in the morning.
Sen. Clark Barnes-R, Randolph County argued against the bill saying, “As West Virginians, we have some tolerance of the federal government, but very little.”
The Senate Bill was supported by the American Civil Liberties Union as well as the National Rifle Association. (”Behold!” said the pundit, “A bipartisan issue.”)
And finally my favorite quote in the article:
“Let’s load up the muskets and draw a line along with 17 other states and holler ‘montani semper liberi,”’ Barnes said, referring to West Virginia’s official motto, which means “mountaineers are always free.”
Hollar Sen. Barnes. You too have earned a gold star.
February 28th, 2008
For anyone that has heard of the REAL ID, they know that it more than an opportunity to make endless puns about one of the worst ideas that Congress has come up with yet.
The REAL ID would be a National ID that would store everyone’s address and personal information into an accessible database and include readable software (think advanced Costco Card with biometric identifiers). Unfortunate side effects include turning local DMV’s into immigration agents and entering every American into a national database (think identity theft).
Until recently I was unaware that the REAL ID act was still alive as I have a “special” talent to ignore things I don’t like. As far as I was concerned the REAL ID Act had shriveled up and died in 2005. Turns out the parasite got through by clinging to the underbelly of the Tsunami Relief Act.
REAL ID has since spurred a showdown between state governments and Homeland Security. At least 15 states have passed legislation saying they will not comply with the mandate. The latest being Governor Lynch from New Hampshire.
Lynch says until the federal government can address states’ concerns regarding Real ID, including the cost, the impact on the privacy of citizens and the burden it will place on state government employees, it should not impose the Real ID requirements on New Hampshire citizens.
Personally, I’m glad to see at least one governor tell Homeland Security they’re welcome to rot in hell. Our rights should never be sacrificed in the name of safety. And as you can see from the image below Lynch is in good company.
February 27th, 2008
So, today I have not found inspiration to really kick off this blog. But it will happen-I’m going to keep looking. In the mean time I was reading the Sheep or Sleep blog (pro Ron Paul) and I found this rather famous movie clip from The Network” and it made me want to go and take on the man. So for your spine tingling enjoyment click “here.
February 26th, 2008
Proof that the Presidential race this year is reaching new heights of insanity: In-Laws’ Political Dispute Ends in Stabbing.
For bonus points catch the oxymoron in the story.
February 25th, 2008
