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Politics

Criticism

I’m sometimes criticized for my liberal beliefs. That doesn’t bug me, especially in these times. Without getting into politics, one of the favorite ways to poke fun at me is for my technology views, especially when they’re viewed as paranoia. (See the links on right hand side of Silwenae.com.)

However, there is a story up at Kuro5hin discussing spyware, adware, and digital rights management. The article starts out with good definitions of each and then some editorial content. While the article tries to delicately avoid all-out Microsoft bashing, there is some, but the article describes very well the state of digital rights today, and some of the things being done to curtail our fair use rights.

So go ahead and make fun of me for using Linux. But at least read the article and understand some of the concerns. While parts of the article might be on the edge, some parts are right on, and these things paint a picture of what could come – if we don’t speak up.

The Balance Act

I wrote my congressman, John Kline tonight in support of /temp/~c108QQUcWi::”>House Resolution 1066, The Balance Act, introduced by Rep Zoe Lofgren (D – CA). This resolution would repeal key aspects of the travesty that is the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA). The DMCA has been invoked for such silly things as suing ink-jet refillers. Tell me how they’re invalidating a copyright again? Especially when they’ve reversed engineer it on their own!

For more information on the DMCA, visit Anti-DMCA.org.

Write your congressman today!

Dean in 2004!

Any man that says “I’m going to put the Democrat back in the Democratic Party” might be my man. Though it took him a while to give credit to the late Senator Wellstone for the line.

He’s been getting a lot of press lately for being the anti-war candidate. I spent an hour Tuesday night researching him and his positions, and he stands for a lot more than that. His comments about gun control in particular were excellent, understanding that gun control varies by areas of the country. Other topics such as health care, foreign affairs, and especially fiscal responsibilities struck a nerve.

I’ll be keeping an eye on him, especially considering I’m not hot on many of the candidates, but that’s a different discussion for a different time.

  • in Politics
  • 2 min read

Gadsden Flag

I have added the Gadsden Flag to Silwenae.com and linked it to America Live Free. The Gadsden Flag is becoming more and more popular as a way of showing support against President Bush’s attempts to restrict civil liberties.

I know my views aren’t always agreed with – but even under a threat of so-called war, there absolutely no reason to be reading citizen’s emails, opening up wire-taps, and other proposed legislation that limits us.

I’ll leave you with this from America Live Free:

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We recognize that informed dissent is patriotic, that questioning the government’s actions is patriotic, that demanding that all branches of government adhere to the Constitution is patriotic. For it is the patriotic dissenter who has the greatest commitment to the ideals upon which our nation was founded and it is he that keeps our nation on the right path.

This is the time for us to reaffirm the foundation, the cornerstone of our Democracy. It is time for us to rise up and stand for the promise, the vision, the guarantee of what our founding fathers had in mind for us: one great nation of free people, pursuing life, liberty and happiness.

We, the people, stand for the Constitution. We stand for our country. We stand for freedom.

Do not tread on us.

Gadsden Flag