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The Cybersecurity Act of 2009 Passes Senate Panel
An anonymous reader writes "The Cybersecurity Act of 2009 passed a Senate panel, giving the president unprecedented power to issue a nation-wide blackout or restriction on websites without congressional approval. The bill, written by Sen. Jay Rockefeller [D-WV] and revised by Sen. Olympia Snow [R-ME], was drafted in an attempt to thwart internet-based terrorist threats, and gives the president this 'kill switch' without oversight or explanation. The bill is up for Senate vote."
And just think of what country has whored ICANN (and doesn't want to free it even while EU has asked to do so), most of the tier 1 providers and other Internet infrastructure to itself.
I don't see those being freed either, it's really convenient and a good diplomatic weapon for US to have a kill switch over the Internet if EU, China or Russia start to dominate too much.
How's that hope and change workin' out for ya?
>>>Would you want your cops to stop an arson in progress, or should they be forced to go through the courts first?
The question you should be asking: "If my wife and I are having vigorous sex, and a neighbor reports screams, do you want the cops busting down your door?" My answer is no. They should investigate, but if they don't hear the screams themselves, then they need to go get a search warrant first (per the Supreme Law).
Otherwise you could have the recent case in New Hampshire where the police heard no noise whatsoever, but on the basis of the neighbor's report busted into the house, found that nobody was getting hurt, but then arrested the guy & gal for possession of sex toys.
You can't have freedom if the government can enter your house for any flimsy excuse.
You can't have a liberated internet if the president can turn it off for any random reason (like claiming Tea Party sites are planning to assassinate congressmen & need to be yanked). Remember: They are not as honest as you. They WILL make up non-existent stuff.
Bush did. (WMDs)
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall