“In particular I’m thinking about the Google kool-aid crowd, “cyber security”, partnerships with the NSA and such. IT Big Brother etc.”
i guess the govt can get to any search provider or isp they want. out of the millions of google users ( i guess there are millions) it would seem that there would be some anonymity in being one number out of many.
i would think that google privacy issues would be of least concern compared to plain old computer security, snail-mail theft, stolen wallets, etc.
“Crime is soaring. . .”
maybe. crime here is being solely referred to as the victimless variety.
this link shows that murder rates per 100k in 2003 were lower than in many previous years. but that may be due to better trauma technology and response.
i am not sure about assaults with deadly weapons (knives guns rocks, etc) if they have increased per 100k or not.
I heard Sean Hannity make this ridiculous argument supporting Obama’s “undercover” patient plan. Nowhere in the constitution does it say that the government has the right or ability to spy on doctors. The best argument against this is the moral hazard/slippery slope type arguments. What will the government do next, put cameras in our houses and cars? “Well,” they would say, “if you’re not doing anything wrong, then you have nothing to hide; we’re just keeping you honest.” It’s pure fascism–they get to determine what’s “good” and “honest.” Please, freedom means the ability to be left alone.
Don’t forget that beyond what you’re searching for and to a large degree what websites you’re visiting, they also offer email, cell phone related services, etc, and I wouldn’t put it past them to target you for ads via information pulled out of your email history. (Heck they may already do that for all I know.)
But what’s particularly worrying to me regarding Google specifically (maybe Apple and some other companies to an extent too) is that there seems to be this “kool aid” phenomenon slowly growing where Google can seemingly do no wrong. “The benevolent corporation” allows these companies to encroach upon our privacy in a way that the “everyday, evil” corporations like Microsoft and Wal-Mart cannot because they gain people’s trust. So anyway I wouldn’t say it’s any less important, if only because a company like Google can operate in stealth.
It’s actually similar to the scams the government runs, now that I think about it, since they try to market themselves as the biggest and most powerful “benevolent corporation” of all–and we all know that’s just an act.
bush told me babies and incubators lies that i believed in my tewnties.
koolaid to me is a just add water drink mix. the rest i call lies.
i use google because they offergoogle earth, a decent, easy to use photo processing software and easy to use email. any junk mail i get i thrown away and spam gets deleted. that works for me. i am not familiar with their search algorithms to know if its good or not.
i also relocate around some.
as for doing no wrong…i dont think there is anyperson that has done no wrong.
Given the fact that the state is a giant wealth-, freedom- and life-consuming monster, I have a lot to hide.
What is perfectly legitimate and legal today may be a crime tomorrow. Think about it.
When we were 16 we could buy beer no problem. Now is forbidden under heavy penalties to sell alcohol to minors. Fifteen years ago you could smoke pretty much everywhere (and previously it was even better/worse depending your point of view). Right now smoking in a public place is a crime in far too many places. Right now we may question the latest government scheme to relieve us of our hard earned money. In five years time perhaps it will a crime.
But I am digressing, again.
To get back to the initial point ask yourself if concerned citizens can eavesdrop on the CIA or the NSA if they think they are violating the law. The fact that even snapping a picture of a uniformed, on duty police officer can land you in troubles should tell the tale. Also consider this: the government can access all your personal data without asking for “security sake”. But try asking official documents about the Twin Towers/Pentagon attack and see how far you’ll get. Even if you are not a conspiracy “crackpot” but a citizen concerned about security: next time it may well be a fleet of Chinese bombers armed with nuclear bombs passing under NORAD’s nose!
Also consider this. Large companies like Google have to give in to demands. And even when they aren’t required to comply with legislation it’s eminently advisable they show submission to the rulers. The Great King of Persia didn’t order his thousand subject nations to send emissaries to Persepolis bearing gifts. But you may imagine what happened to those willing to try their luck.
Perhaps you aren’t old enough to get the reference? [:)] (no offense or anything)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drink_the_Kool-Aid
I’m trying to say that many people are too ready to trust that Google is “looking out for them”. Modern day supposedly “benevolent corporations” such as Google or Apple, at least in the minds of many people, are given a free pass and blindly trusted. At least this appears to be a trend that I’ve noticed personally. To me this is no better than blindly trusting the government.