New Security Bill Proposed

frdmfghtr writes "ZDnet is reporting on a new security bill coming up right before the election in November that is geared towards increasing security in the U.S. "One section anticipates storing the "lifetime travel history of each foreign national or United States citizen" into a database for the convenience of government officials." Senator McCain and HLS secretary Tom Ridge are mentioned specifically in the article: "McCain envisions erecting physical checkpoints, dubbed "screening points," near subways, airports, bus stations, train stations, federal buildings, telephone companies, Internet hubs and any other "critical infrastructure" facility deemed vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Secretary Tom Ridge would appear to be authorized to issue new federal IDs--with biometric identifiers--that Americans could be required to show at checkpoints." Reminds me not-so-vaguely of checkpoints in Soviet Russia where you needed papers to pass."

Comments

Internet hubs versus DC traffic

[ghostlibrary]

Hmmm... "McCain envisions erecting physical checkpoints, dubbed "screening points," near subways, [...] Internet hubs "

Internet hubs? Man, that's going to suck. "The networked printer needs paper, dear, I'm heading down to the basement" 'Badge, sir?'

More seriously, even when I drive into D.C. and pass in spitting distance of the Capital, the occassional roadblock/checkpoints don't ask for ID. They rely on an officer doing a quick visual survey of the vehicle and occupants.

I don't see how IDs will help. 'Hmm... according to your ID, you're a known terrorist criminal. I'll have to search your car.' No, far more likely a potential terrorist will either be a clean slate (new recruit) or have a faked ID.

So the only use is either to hassle ordinary citizens while pretending it's helping fight terrorism, without really increasing safety or security. I predict the bill will pass by a landslide.

For the children's sake, of course.

Re:Internet hubs versus DC traffic

[Bishop]

So the only use is either to hassle ordinary citizens while pretending it's helping fight terrorism

Some people would say that hassleing ordinary citizens is exactly the point of the chekcpoints. The idea is that checkpoints help to maintain a "culture of fear." The same people would say that the point of maintain this fear is to more easily control the citizens.

I don't necessarily agree with these theories. But when I see legislation like this that only pretends to fight terrorism I tend to wonder.

1984

[ecotax]

Maybe '1984' was just a deadline that slipped a little...

Fascy - Mr. Bush's Politics Assistant

[karnat10]

It looks like you're building a fascist police state. Do you want me to...

• propose a casus belli?
• alienate your allies?
• edit civil rights?
• enable judge dependencies?
• launch election commander?
• build a concentration camp?

Open Letter from The World to The Americans

[karnat10]

Dear Americans,

we have always seen your nation and its many achievements with the highest respect. After the dreadful 9/11 attacks, we have responded with tremendous loyalty and friendship, and we were sure that one of the planet's oldest democracies would react wisely and adequately.

However, after three years, we have come to the conclusion that your government is curtailing your rights and stealing your money. While this is a domestic issue and not of our business, your government's international behaviour is a wholly different story. International treaties have been breached. Old friends have been alienated. Fear has been spreaded. In general, we think your current administration has made the world more dangerous.

After the breach of international law, we do not have much trust left in your country. So, dear Americans, if you wish to participate again in the international family of peoples, feel free to join us! Just get rid of that jackasses.

Should you choose to keep your current government however, we, The World, would feel obligated to intervene. Like it should have be done after Munich 1938, your government will then be forced from power by an international coalition of the willing, to prevent further damage.

You see, you're either with us or against us!

Yours sincerely,
The World