Entries from December 2005 ↓

We tumbling vestments,
warm and content, if dizzy;
you cannot bleach our souls.

12.14.2005 Ahniwa Ferrari

House passes Patriot Act Conference Report.

Which leaves the Senate.

I’m not anti-Patriot Act, but I think an extension would be good to clarify some issues in language and intent before we permanently place anything into law.

But then, I’m anti-American.

And I hate safety.

Oh me, oh my,
I’m getting dry;
a flock of socks has
just passed by,
their long necks out
and wrapped about
each other.
They’re indecent like that,
socks.

12.14.2005 Ahniwa Ferrari

I find this comic to be consistently funny.

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present:

The Angriest Rice Cooker in the World.

ACLU joins fight against internet surveillance.

Some lawmakers have already joined their voices with the opposition. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., cautioned that the mandates could give the government the authority to dictate software designs, drive innovators offshore and threaten security as well as privacy.

Cornell’s response to the CALEA amendment.

Not for profit accredited educational institutions contribute uniquely to American society by exploring and sharing knowledge for its own sake. Teaching, research and outreach rely fundamentally on principles of unimpeded communications and open inquiry. If the uncertain administrative, financial and technical expenditures suspect in this regulation do not alone exacerbate the many burdens that currently challenge the autonomy of higher education, the technical oversight provision is plainly inconsistent with our missions. Were no other means available to achieve its purpose, the government could argue a compelling interest. But the alternative exists. Cornell University already provides this kind of information when properly served. Therefore there is no compelling government interest in this specific surveillance technique and it most certainly is not a narrowly tailored method for compliance.

ACLU calls for vote against cloture on Patriot Act.

“Congress must not let a fake threat by proponents of Patriot Act to let it expire to cause them to support a defective bill,” said Lisa Graves, ACLU Senior Counsel for Legislative Strategy. “Common sense corrections that would better focus limited resources and protect the privacy of innocent Americans already enjoy strong bipartisan support. Lawmakers should adopt them.”

Take action against the Patriot Act!