jeffd@ficc.uu.net (jeff daiell) (01/03/89)
There's been a lot of talk in this group about feudalism. What
is missing is a realization of the foundation on which feudalism --
or communism, or fascism, or socialism -- is based: the idea that,
somehow, thru whatever mystic process, Government has rights which
you and I don't have.
The attempt to dispel that bizarre notion ("deriving their just
powers from the consent of the governed") hasn't yet succeeded.
Hopefully it will soon.
However, the relevance to computing is this: as long as that
voodoo notion holds sway, it's going to be highly dangerous to
let politicians and bureaucrats hold the reins of computer
networks or other aspects of computing, because they'll be
able to get away with incredible abuses and shenagagins,
hiding behind hocus-pocus terms like "national security",
"public interest", "mandate", and other nonsense, including
"sovereign immunity" when someone seeks redress of grievances.
Much better that ownership and control rest with those without
benefit of such philosophical haze and legal barriers.
Jeff Daiell
(opinions my own, until taxed away)
INDEPENDENCE FOR TEXAS!
--
"There's a place in the sun
Where there's hope for everyone ...
Gonna find me a place in the sun."