Copyright Extentions are to blame. Unreasonably long commercial control or artistic works has caused this. If StarWars had entered the public domain, could we have seen an expension of the StarWars universe -- by fans looking to create more depth. Further, Lucas and the others involved here would be required to CREATE new works.... not just exploit their old efforts.
The Remakes of old films, and the never-ending extension and "franchise-ation" of works is proof that copyright needs to expire (much) more quickly. Not less quickly.
Alot of North Americans are concerned with Offshore Outsourcing because of a very simple reason. Capitalism. Capitalism allows the externalizing of cost with the goal being internalized profit.
India, and much of the rest of the world outside NorthAmerica has a greater understanding of the role of the Market and its place in culure. Capital is no more influencial anywhere than it is in the USA. People know this. Yet, this has served *them* well, it has (amounghst many other factors) allowed the greatest present aggregation of wealth in the world. Most everywhere else in the world has more social cohesion and recognition of the pitfalls of unconstrained Capitalists. McCarthyism is still a very felt in the USA.
What people in North America are concerned about -- and I dont believe they recognize it -- is because for once, they themselves (lower/middle classes) realize that what Capitalism has allowed to cause to happen to the "underprivilaged" places will be soon happening to them.
I do not begrudge my brother in India an opportunity to do better for himself and his community. What fair-trade advocates are speaking about is this: If we are to have unbridled world-trade, we must have methods of protecting our gains. We cannot allow the Owner Class to cause a race to the bottom. India's "gains" cannot come at the expense of the things that have already been created in the USA. Middle-America will not allow it. I firmly believe that the 'wealth' in the west exists EXACTLY because places like China, Africa and India are generally depressed.
Plutocrats in Washington cannot risk unsettling the status-quo. They realize they have a problem; what to do about unemploying their own masses while still allowing the exploitation of the underprivilaged (India in general). Exploitation In this case is used to mean "paying two people different wages A) based on Geography and B) because you can do it to make more profit)).
My question is this: What can be done to SUSTAIN the standard of living in the West while raising it in the rest of the world. What can be done to allow the masses *in both nations* to demand EQUAL standards of living, health care, labour rights, safety standards etc.
In America, these standards will be FORCED by the marketplace to come down. In the rest, these are the standards that are wanting to be raised.
The DMCA is the embodiment of a WTO treaty. This is the same WTO that people are protesting in the streets of Seattle, Quebec and Genoa.
You see, we techno-IP geeks (which we kind-of are) realize The Corporations are using the WIPO/WTO to shaft us -- Australia is just the most recent nation to fall victim -- these OTHERS are aware of their own areas. Artists talk about National Culture (arts, public broadcasting, museams, film production), people like Jose Bove talks about regional farming, farmers, land, food supply/quality, Maude Barlow and The Council Of Canadians speak about national soverignty, GM Biotech, etc etc etc.
What is happening is that Corporations are subverting social structures. In every facet of our culture, in every way, profit-driven organizations -- with incredible power, will and ability -- are un-democratically ruling.
In Feudal Europe, land-owners ruled. Peasants were lucky to have a 'job' where they were essentially powerless slaves, removed from decion making in their collective lives. Democratic Revolutions -- who's roots were in Ancient philosophies -- solved some of their problems, enabling the masses to exercise their will. Basically, one person, one vote. This was a 'better idea'. Then, in the late 18th century, some people began to see Democracy wasnt enough. Democratic control of the economy was necessary to remove the hammer and influence of wealth on society. Communist revolutions started around the world. Common people wanted to not only rule their civil lives but their economic lives via democracy. Many of the Communist Revolutions failed for various reasons... some survive today.
What(i belive) we are seeing right now, is the effective collapse of the Democratic Reovolutions. In the not-so-distant future, our very-own elected governments (already subverted) are going to create law that Over-Rule the rights of the Government to control The Corporations. These organizations will then assert feudal control over their segments of the economy -- nothing can challenge them (except maybe other corporations, but that is another discussion). Disjointed world-governance and the lack of a Powerful United Nations is to their advantage (it allows nations to be pitted against on another (Not joining the race to the bottom == starve more quickly))
Australia's new DMCA-alike laws are the embodiment of a WTO treaty, and not a surprise. Slowly but surely, all law will be removed that isnt 100% pro-corporation and pro-profit. There will be no other law*.
*you and the perpetual abortion debate/pageant does qualify as effective political discourse... dont be fooled by shiney things.
instead of the Br-based compound it had used for years,' due to environmental concerns. By
Very good memetic work. What are we to learn here? Listening to Environmental concerns lead to bad products. But wouldnt it be more correct to blame the industry's poor choice of substitute instead of trying to infer that making Environmentally necessary changes lead to failure?
using toxic substances in industry is not an option. The real problem is their bad solution to change.
Do people always have to have a personal gain in mind raither than a personal "project."
We are talking about perspective. I didnt know we had to limit our discussion. You do know that we all have bills, repsonsibility, family, jobs, hobbies and vices? Why is this comments "a pain"? id say it is completely relevant and worthwhile discussing.
I would suggest that the poster takes his $7,000 and does whatever he likes -- but just maybe he should consider thinking a wee bit ahead. If $7,000 is some kind of "gift from god", s/he may not be in a position to burn this money. MAYBE s/he should think about want to think about eating when they loose their next job???? Advice like "be responsible" is better than most.
I have to prefer the society where everyone does what they feel is important
like eating at McDonalds, wearing nike and getting some bling-bling?
Just because your particular public-mythos includes the concept of free-will dont belive that your *own* public discourse isnt totally dominated and directed.
Imagine for a moment the effects on Joe Public by Marketing. Now tell me Joe makes his own decisions... In fact, Joe's decisions are limited to the ideas he is exposed to (marketing frames public discourse); in fact, I'd say the USA has less freedom in the public sphere than many other places.
Remember, to dissent means your with the terrorists. This meme may seem timely, but consider how powerful its use was. The US public reacts very predictably. "Naturally the common people don't want war..... but after all it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, wether it is democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a paliament, or a communist dictatorship. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works in every country." -- citiation left off to avoid invoking goodwin's law.
Now, imagine the word "war" is variable, how many ways does this idea apply?
Anyone against GM food wants to starve people. Anyone against cars wants you to live in a cave. Anyone against lawn-mowers wants you to live in a cave. Anyone against mcdonalds wants you to loose your job. Anyone against starbucks wants america's economy to fail.
The truth is public opinion *is* formed at the top -- the real danger is when you cannot trust / loose control of who is at the top that the trouble begins.
The USA lost control of its destiny to Plutocrats at least 75-100 years ago.
You leave your computer running while your away from it?
I shut my computer off any time I know I'll be away for more than 20-30 minutes. I dont want to burn energy which costs $$$ and tonnes of pollution for nothing.
So, yes, I appreciate a quick start/stop, because i do it many times a day... BUT I'm willing to wait 15 seconds just to gain the piece of mind in knowing Im not an energy-wasting-prick. Oh, btw, I dont kick puppies, I dont steal money from tip-jars at restaurants, and I always pay for apples at the road-side stands by putting money into their can... so spare me the "your wasting your time" line, Im trying to be a good person...
Crack is also free the first time Bill -- its kicking the habit that is really liberating. Sure, it dosnt cost much at first, but in the long run, you'd be surprised at what things cost you.
Thats right, when you move out, why dont you try living WIHTOUT television at all.
You'll find you have more time for other interests and more time for new interests.
Instead of lusting after a more broad connection to the collective conscience, why dont you try and understand your own? Television is a waste of brain cycles friend, resist the temptation to allow this device (and its programmers) to do your thinking for you.
You sound like this might be your first place On Your Own (?), try moving somewhere urban and interesting. Live life, dont be a passive observer.
How do you capture someone with a police force in another country that hates your guts, wants you to die, and is aiding the people who want to kill you?
You use the regular international channels. You be patient. If you cannot eventually seize this person, tough fucking luck(!) -- you are not entitled to INVADE!
Plus, nearly all third party candidates take some sort of extreme position on an issue, that even if the rest of their platform makes sense, they would just be unelectable.
excatly the opposite is true. The Republicrats trot out the EXACT same issues every election, and deliver mindless platitutudes on these subjects, then give passing mention to these outlying issues.... these outlying issues appear sensational, and do get their fair share of press, but in the end, absolutely NOTHING is changed. On any issue. Nothing.
face it, the pageant of USA democracy laughable. It might as well be a television show.
I am a Canadian too, and neither invasion was unprovoked unless you hold to that old absurd notion that "other countries internal affairs are none of our business." If that were true, we could just ignore whatever happens in places like Rwanda by saying, hey, it's none of our business.
I am *NOT* suggesting that the world sits back and lets small nations "rot in their own feces".
If you think that nations should be forced to treat their citizens with respect and dignity -- IM ALL FOR IT
But the USA is *not* a benevolent liberator -- make no mistake -- this is excatly what is NOT happening.
Lets start drafting proper UN Law with consequences, where transgressing these laws will have equal consequences for all, and the UN will be able to enforce them. This is exactly what the US does not want, becase as it is now, they do as they please without recourse.
This is an absurd redirection. World War II was a criminal act, but you'd have to be an idiot to think that we could just sic Interpol on them and have things work out. The world is much more complicated and is not black and white.
Yes it is. Lets make Interpol and the UN a truely accoutnable, democratic institution with purpose, power and ability. NO nation (rwanda, iraq, afghanistan or otherwise) can participate in the league of nations without meeting a minimum standard of decency -- its time to put up or shut up. Im sick of people talking out both sides of their mouths wrt the role of a proper international authority -- either there is one, or there is not. The USA cannot be allowed run around like a cowboy crying that they are simply acting on behalf of The Forces of Good in The World and on the otherhand, totally refuse to codefy the role of a proper international authority.
America: Wake the fuck up! (Score:-1, Troll) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday January 31, @07:23PM (#8146965) Please... Europe has never been "free", but until recently we here in the old country could aspire to going to america. Now, america is turning into prewar germany, and we've got no where to go. Stop it! before it's too late!
This AC got modded Troll. But I wanted to repost it.
I'll tell a little story. I read, not too long ago, a story written by a daughter of a German migrant. This women's parents left germany during/before the true rise of Hitler.
Now, for those who may have only thought of Nazis as Evil Ones(TM) in a cartoon manner, stop and consider their rise to power. There *was* wide-spread support for the Nazis. They won an election to take power -- Germans SUPPORTED the Nazis. The nation was in a state of euphoria, literally in love with the notion of their own greatness...
This women's parents left because they sensed something basic and unsettling was happening. They new what Germany was becoming and where it could lead.
Near the end of her article she spoke about the USA. Its hubris, its sense of infallibility and selfrighteousness. She wondered if she would have the strength and wisdom to recognize when the USA had reached this tipping point, she wondered if it was now... or would be soon.
As a foriegn observer (Canadian) I just want to tell you that this Matrix stuff is not a surprise. The USA (its government) is heading off on a very strange tangent. Just consider for a moment that the world watched -- with not a little public objection -- the USA invade and occupy two foriegn nations.... whatever you might think justified this act, please consider: The USA is actively invading other nations unprovoked*.
I want people to see what this AC is saying, because I agree. If you think you can sit back and reelect a Republicrat (again, as you have continuously for 100 years) and things will get better you're very wrong.
Let me lay it out, something is very wrong with the USA; its fat, angry, powerfull and violent. Your leaders think they world belongs to them -- and you citizens are sheep -- and we are all going to suffer immensly if something is not done to re-align the USA.
This Matrix stuff is nothing.
* the WTC crashes were criminal acts, the kind of behaviour that requires police, not armies... unless of course you are the kind of proto-fascist-jingoist-American I am worried about, who refuses to consider this reality....(and the article-author sees her country-men becoming)
You must unlearn history. Take responsibility for today's problems and solve them.
History schmistory, if you dont like something change it. Citing 'history' a reason why things Are is worthless. How they were only helps you see how they are now, it does not dictate how things SHOULD be.
dont be an idiot -- America's days are numbered... total corruption, Plutocratic rule, violence, stupidity, hubris, stagnation, lethargy, myopia, arrogance, decadence, selfishness... jesus, look around you, open your eyes; this is not paranoia.
So no, do not take RMS's advice he has only a slight connection with reality. RMS believes in a version of anti-corporativist activism that is considered fringe by the type of people who still believe that there is no difference between Al Gore and George Bush, and plan to vote for Ralph Nader in November.
Ad hominem attack. Nice. I'll tell you, there *IS* no difference between Bush and Gore, and *I* would vote for Ralph Nader in November if you ever want to imagine America is a Democracy.
GPL is like a prion, anything it touches is meant to turn into itself.
This is somewhat true. If you *choose* to take GPL code you must contribute your work back -- its *that* simple. THIS is the purpose, to prevent exploitation is 100% correct. Why would people want there aggregate work to be taken, have a bit flipped, and a commercial enterprise completely rob their momentum with this fork? Why VOLUNTEER to have another person treat you with contempt?
So no, being GPL is something very positive that should be applauded, being non-compatible is a bug.
hmm, Its been done. Im looking for it on google -- cant find it.
An geeky 'artists' collective got a grant to do just that. They put spray paint on the back of a remote control monster-truck. 4-5 cans of different colours were lined up in the back... as the truck moved, it would spray various dots and write slogans.
What you described is mentioned on this geek's website.
AH! Here it is! have a look at the GraffitiWriter and Streetwriter projects from left menu. These two projects seem more fitting for a sneak-up and tag scenario, though they do it underfoot with less visibility.
Slashdot Mirror
Copyright Extentions are to blame. Unreasonably long commercial control or artistic works has caused this. If StarWars had entered the public domain, could we have seen an expension of the StarWars universe -- by fans looking to create more depth. Further, Lucas and the others involved here would be required to CREATE new works.... not just exploit their old efforts.
The Remakes of old films, and the never-ending extension and "franchise-ation" of works is proof that copyright needs to expire (much) more quickly. Not less quickly.
Your fears come from a simple lack of understanding of international trade, free markets, and comparative advantage.
Of course this assumes that the planet has the capacity for unlimited growth... THAT is your fucking pie dipshit.
If you think the planet can consume at the level of america and the west your absolutely wrong.
Alot of North Americans are concerned with Offshore Outsourcing because of a very simple reason. Capitalism. Capitalism allows the externalizing of cost with the goal being internalized profit.
India, and much of the rest of the world outside NorthAmerica has a greater understanding of the role of the Market and its place in culure. Capital is no more influencial anywhere than it is in the USA. People know this. Yet, this has served *them* well, it has (amounghst many other factors) allowed the greatest present aggregation of wealth in the world. Most everywhere else in the world has more social cohesion and recognition of the pitfalls of unconstrained Capitalists. McCarthyism is still a very felt in the USA.
What people in North America are concerned about -- and I dont believe they recognize it -- is because for once, they themselves (lower/middle classes) realize that what Capitalism has allowed to cause to happen to the "underprivilaged" places will be soon happening to them.
I do not begrudge my brother in India an opportunity to do better for himself and his community. What fair-trade advocates are speaking about is this: If we are to have unbridled world-trade, we must have methods of protecting our gains. We cannot allow the Owner Class to cause a race to the bottom. India's "gains" cannot come at the expense of the things that have already been created in the USA. Middle-America will not allow it. I firmly believe that the 'wealth' in the west exists EXACTLY because places like China, Africa and India are generally depressed.
Plutocrats in Washington cannot risk unsettling the status-quo. They realize they have a problem; what to do about unemploying their own masses while still allowing the exploitation of the underprivilaged (India in general). Exploitation In this case is used to mean "paying two people different wages A) based on Geography and B) because you can do it to make more profit)).
My question is this: What can be done to SUSTAIN the standard of living in the West while raising it in the rest of the world. What can be done to allow the masses *in both nations* to demand EQUAL standards of living, health care, labour rights, safety standards etc.
In America, these standards will be FORCED by the marketplace to come down. In the rest, these are the standards that are wanting to be raised.
Is there a way out of this paradox?
The DMCA is the embodiment of a WTO treaty. This is the same WTO that people are protesting in the streets of Seattle, Quebec and Genoa.
You see, we techno-IP geeks (which we kind-of are) realize The Corporations are using the WIPO/WTO to shaft us -- Australia is just the most recent nation to fall victim -- these OTHERS are aware of their own areas. Artists talk about National Culture (arts, public broadcasting, museams, film production), people like Jose Bove talks about regional farming, farmers, land, food supply/quality, Maude Barlow and The Council Of Canadians speak about national soverignty, GM Biotech, etc etc etc.
What is happening is that Corporations are subverting social structures. In every facet of our culture, in every way, profit-driven organizations -- with incredible power, will and ability -- are un-democratically ruling.
In Feudal Europe, land-owners ruled. Peasants were lucky to have a 'job' where they were essentially powerless slaves, removed from decion making in their collective lives. Democratic Revolutions -- who's roots were in Ancient philosophies -- solved some of their problems, enabling the masses to exercise their will. Basically, one person, one vote. This was a 'better idea'. Then, in the late 18th century, some people began to see Democracy wasnt enough. Democratic control of the economy was necessary to remove the hammer and influence of wealth on society. Communist revolutions started around the world. Common people wanted to not only rule their civil lives but their economic lives via democracy. Many of the Communist Revolutions failed for various reasons... some survive today.
What(i belive) we are seeing right now, is the effective collapse of the Democratic Reovolutions. In the not-so-distant future, our very-own elected governments (already subverted) are going to create law that Over-Rule the rights of the Government to control The Corporations. These organizations will then assert feudal control over their segments of the economy -- nothing can challenge them (except maybe other corporations, but that is another discussion). Disjointed world-governance and the lack of a Powerful United Nations is to their advantage (it allows nations to be pitted against on another (Not joining the race to the bottom == starve more quickly))
Australia's new DMCA-alike laws are the embodiment of a WTO treaty, and not a surprise. Slowly but surely, all law will be removed that isnt 100% pro-corporation and pro-profit. There will be no other law*.
*you and the perpetual abortion debate/pageant does qualify as effective political discourse... dont be fooled by shiney things.
I wonder how much pollution and energy is used in MAKING this paint.
Is it actually a greater problem releasing toxins and burning energy to produce this paint than it is capable of absorbing.... I'd bet $$ yes.
instead of the Br-based compound it had used for years,' due to environmental concerns. By
Very good memetic work. What are we to learn here? Listening to Environmental concerns lead to bad products. But wouldnt it be more correct to blame the industry's poor choice of substitute instead of trying to infer that making Environmentally necessary changes lead to failure?
using toxic substances in industry is not an option. The real problem is their bad solution to change.
Do people always have to have a personal gain in mind raither than a personal "project."
We are talking about perspective. I didnt know we had to limit our discussion. You do know that we all have bills, repsonsibility, family, jobs, hobbies and vices? Why is this comments "a pain"? id say it is completely relevant and worthwhile discussing.
I would suggest that the poster takes his $7,000 and does whatever he likes -- but just maybe he should consider thinking a wee bit ahead. If $7,000 is some kind of "gift from god", s/he may not be in a position to burn this money.
MAYBE s/he should think about want to think about eating when they loose their next job???? Advice like "be responsible" is better than most.
I live in Canada. As for Technology, I'd say its 'best' in Japan.
I have to prefer the society where everyone does what they feel is important
like eating at McDonalds, wearing nike and getting some bling-bling?
Just because your particular public-mythos includes the concept of free-will dont belive that your *own* public discourse isnt totally dominated and directed.
Imagine for a moment the effects on Joe Public by Marketing. Now tell me Joe makes his own decisions... In fact, Joe's decisions are limited to the ideas he is exposed to (marketing frames public discourse); in fact, I'd say the USA has less freedom in the public sphere than many other places.
Remember, to dissent means your with the terrorists. This meme may seem timely, but consider how powerful its use was. The US public reacts very predictably.
"Naturally the common people don't want war..... but after all it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, wether it is democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a paliament, or a communist dictatorship. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works in every country." -- citiation left off to avoid invoking goodwin's law.
Now, imagine the word "war" is variable, how many ways does this idea apply?
Anyone against GM food wants to starve people. Anyone against cars wants you to live in a cave. Anyone against lawn-mowers wants you to live in a cave. Anyone against mcdonalds wants you to loose your job. Anyone against starbucks wants america's economy to fail.
The truth is public opinion *is* formed at the top -- the real danger is when you cannot trust / loose control of who is at the top that the trouble begins.
The USA lost control of its destiny to Plutocrats at least 75-100 years ago.
You leave your computer running while your away from it?
I shut my computer off any time I know I'll be away for more than 20-30 minutes. I dont want to burn energy which costs $$$ and tonnes of pollution for nothing.
So, yes, I appreciate a quick start/stop, because i do it many times a day... BUT I'm willing to wait 15 seconds just to gain the piece of mind in knowing Im not an energy-wasting-prick.
Oh, btw, I dont kick puppies, I dont steal money from tip-jars at restaurants, and I always pay for apples at the road-side stands by putting money into their can... so spare me the "your wasting your time" line, Im trying to be a good person...
Bill, is that you?
Crack is also free the first time Bill -- its kicking the habit that is really liberating. Sure, it dosnt cost much at first, but in the long run, you'd be surprised at what things cost you.
Creating a .torrent would be the right thing to do. They dont have to worry about serving the load themselves, and you dont crush the original-host.
Really, Taco, shouldnt this be 'policy'?
Thats right, when you move out, why dont you try living WIHTOUT television at all.
You'll find you have more time for other interests and more time for new interests.
Instead of lusting after a more broad connection to the collective conscience, why dont you try and understand your own? Television is a waste of brain cycles friend, resist the temptation to allow this device (and its programmers) to do your thinking for you.
You sound like this might be your first place On Your Own (?), try moving somewhere urban and interesting. Live life, dont be a passive observer.
Happily Television free for 4 years.
How do you capture someone with a police force in another country that hates your guts, wants you to die, and is aiding the people who want to kill you?
You use the regular international channels. You be patient. If you cannot eventually seize this person, tough fucking luck(!) -- you are not entitled to INVADE!
Plus, nearly all third party candidates take some sort of extreme position on an issue, that even if the rest of their platform makes sense, they would just be unelectable.
excatly the opposite is true. The Republicrats trot out the EXACT same issues every election, and deliver mindless platitutudes on these subjects, then give passing mention to these outlying issues.... these outlying issues appear sensational, and do get their fair share of press, but in the end, absolutely NOTHING is changed. On any issue. Nothing.
face it, the pageant of USA democracy laughable. It might as well be a television show.
I am a Canadian too, and neither invasion was unprovoked unless you hold to that old absurd notion that "other countries internal affairs are none of our business." If that were true, we could just ignore whatever happens in places like Rwanda by saying, hey, it's none of our business.
I am *NOT* suggesting that the world sits back and lets small nations "rot in their own feces".
If you think that nations should be forced to treat their citizens with respect and dignity -- IM ALL FOR IT
But the USA is *not* a benevolent liberator -- make no mistake -- this is excatly what is NOT happening.
Lets start drafting proper UN Law with consequences, where transgressing these laws will have equal consequences for all, and the UN will be able to enforce them. This is exactly what the US does not want, becase as it is now, they do as they please without recourse.
This is an absurd redirection. World War II was a criminal act, but you'd have to be an idiot to think that we could just sic Interpol on them and have things work out. The world is much more complicated and is not black and white.
Yes it is. Lets make Interpol and the UN a truely accoutnable, democratic institution with purpose, power and ability. NO nation (rwanda, iraq, afghanistan or otherwise) can participate in the league of nations without meeting a minimum standard of decency -- its time to put up or shut up. Im sick of people talking out both sides of their mouths wrt the role of a proper international authority -- either there is one, or there is not. The USA cannot be allowed run around like a cowboy crying that they are simply acting on behalf of The Forces of Good in The World and on the otherhand, totally refuse to codefy the role of a proper international authority.
America: Wake the fuck up! (Score:-1, Troll)
by Anonymous Coward on Saturday January 31, @07:23PM (#8146965)
Please... Europe has never been "free", but until recently we here in the old country could aspire to going to america. Now, america is turning into prewar germany, and we've got no where to go. Stop it! before it's too late!
This AC got modded Troll. But I wanted to repost it.
I'll tell a little story. I read, not too long ago, a story written by a daughter of a German migrant. This women's parents left germany during/before the true rise of Hitler.
Now, for those who may have only thought of Nazis as Evil Ones(TM) in a cartoon manner, stop and consider their rise to power. There *was* wide-spread support for the Nazis. They won an election to take power -- Germans SUPPORTED the Nazis. The nation was in a state of euphoria, literally in love with the notion of their own greatness...
This women's parents left because they sensed something basic and unsettling was happening. They new what Germany was becoming and where it could lead.
Near the end of her article she spoke about the USA. Its hubris, its sense of infallibility and selfrighteousness. She wondered if she would have the strength and wisdom to recognize when the USA had reached this tipping point, she wondered if it was now... or would be soon.
As a foriegn observer (Canadian) I just want to tell you that this Matrix stuff is not a surprise. The USA (its government) is heading off on a very strange tangent. Just consider for a moment that the world watched -- with not a little public objection -- the USA invade and occupy two foriegn nations.... whatever you might think justified this act, please consider: The USA is actively invading other nations unprovoked*.
I want people to see what this AC is saying, because I agree. If you think you can sit back and reelect a Republicrat (again, as you have continuously for 100 years) and things will get better you're very wrong.
Let me lay it out, something is very wrong with the USA; its fat, angry, powerfull and violent. Your leaders think they world belongs to them -- and you citizens are sheep -- and we are all going to suffer immensly if something is not done to re-align the USA.
This Matrix stuff is nothing.
* the WTC crashes were criminal acts, the kind of behaviour that requires police, not armies... unless of course you are the kind of proto-fascist-jingoist-American I am worried about, who refuses to consider this reality....(and the article-author sees her country-men becoming)
You must unlearn history. Take responsibility for today's problems and solve them.
History schmistory, if you dont like something change it. Citing 'history' a reason why things Are is worthless. How they were only helps you see how they are now, it does not dictate how things SHOULD be.
Things SHOULD be the way we make them.
I just thought we might like to see what the average True Patriot thinks:
Reply copied from an AC:
You fucking cocksucking America hating bastard. You must be either a European or a Democrat. Or French.
Rogue nation??? You are free to post your bullshit drivel because of this 'rogue nation', you fucking socialist bastard.
As you can clearly see, Socialists are hatefull...
Prepare to see an attempt to can the constitutional amendment banning more than 2 presidential terms.
Maybe attached to something like an ammendment to enshrine Man-Women Marriage? and making same sex marriage unconstitutional?
Remember you heard it here first....
dont be an idiot -- America's days are numbered... total corruption, Plutocratic rule, violence, stupidity, hubris, stagnation, lethargy, myopia, arrogance, decadence, selfishness... jesus, look around you, open your eyes; this is not paranoia .
The republicrats need to go or we'll all pay.
So no, do not take RMS's advice he has only a slight connection with reality. RMS believes in a version of anti-corporativist activism that is considered fringe by the type of people who still believe that there is no difference between Al Gore and George Bush, and plan to vote for Ralph Nader in November.
Ad hominem attack. Nice. I'll tell you, there *IS* no difference between Bush and Gore, and *I* would vote for Ralph Nader in November if you ever want to imagine America is a Democracy.
GPL is like a prion, anything it touches is meant to turn into itself.
This is somewhat true. If you *choose* to take GPL code you must contribute your work back -- its *that* simple. THIS is the purpose, to prevent exploitation is 100% correct. Why would people want there aggregate work to be taken, have a bit flipped, and a commercial enterprise completely rob their momentum with this fork? Why VOLUNTEER to have another person treat you with contempt?
So no, being GPL is something very positive that should be applauded, being non-compatible is a bug.
hmm, Its been done. Im looking for it on google -- cant find it.
An geeky 'artists' collective got a grant to do just that. They put spray paint on the back of a remote control monster-truck. 4-5 cans of different colours were lined up in the back... as the truck moved, it would spray various dots and write slogans.
What you described is mentioned on this geek's website.
AH! Here it is! have a look at the GraffitiWriter and Streetwriter projects from left menu. These two projects seem more fitting for a sneak-up and tag scenario, though they do it underfoot with less visibility.
Look
Oh poor Aaron, same fate as poor poor Zak. The Maniac.
You ARE spying. You're looking where you shouldn't; that's spying
You broadcast something into the ether we all share, I collect it. Im not immoral or a criminal because *you* chose to bcast it.
I swear I've never had a simple and Free DOS OS installation actually works as well as FreeDOS! Its very stable. Its kinda terrific! :).