18. February, 2002 - a lot of freedom and privacy for the holiday

• But first, I've continued updating my rant on why you should use CSS based on reader comments. Thanks guys.
• Second, a quick comment on holidays in today's America. There are a few that everyone agrees are holidays. Christmas, for example. But then there are days like today. Most folks are working as if it's a normal day. Personally, I'm splitting the difference and working for myself today.
• American Democracy: R.I.P: The Emergence of the Fascist American Theocratic State. It's odd to see something from cryptome make it onto the daypop top 40. In this case, I think it's appropriate. [daypop]
• Border partols and sky marshalls. A pot-head's perspective on travel isn't much drearier than mine. But it's freedom that the federales are attacking, not just drugs. [endwar]
• Arrest Made Under New Flight Rule for peeing after the federally mandated deadline. All in the name of security.
• Altered States gives an Australian's perspective on travelling in the US. At least the regular tourist venues aren't jammed with people.
• Have I already linked to the Atlantic's review of Security versus Civil Liberties? No, I don't think I have. What the hell was I thinking? [hindsight]
• Secret Service probes agents' misconduct in Utah. Between this and theearlier bozo, it's looking less good for the praetorian guard. Which is as it should be. I understand that the president needs more protection than most of us, but presidents (not to mention all the other elected and appointed officials) have been acting like royals for too long. [fark!]
• When the Army Owns the Weather. And when they screw up my picnic, can I sue 'em? That might be an effective check on tinkering. [some guy]
• True Patriots is a Minnesota based organization working to defend civil liberties in the wake of "Patriot Act" spawned local "anti-terrorism" bills like the one being considered here in Minnesota.
• Big Brother is Watching You Read. And perhaps there's reason to be nervous. Or pay cash and avoid the discount cards the big chains offer. [daypop]
• Will anonymous e-mail become a casualty of war? Well, it might cut down on spam somewhat, but I don't know as it'd be worth it. Then again, I don't use anonymous email, so.... [some guy]
• Comcast stops spying on customers. To say we're spying on anyone is ludicrous. Ludicrous, but true? Then again, they look like an incredibly shitty ISP, so I'm not sure why folks would use 'em in the first place. [some guy]
• I Seek You, from Scientific American looks at pervasive surveillance. Another reason I may not take the trike trip I was planning for Wales and Ireland (the shakedowns at US airports being another reason). I don't much feel like contributing to the economy of a country with more surveillance than I encountered in countries behind the iron curtain in 1980.
• Drivers' licenses may get make-over into national ID card. It's a rare issue that gets the ACU and the ACLU agreeing. [google news]

Copyright 2008, Dave Polaschek. Last updated on Mon, 18 Feb 2002 08:56:04.