First, a single person is not supposed to be able to do anything within our Senate or Congress. It takes votes, and a majority must agree with anything this person puts forward for legislation.
Second, nothing is getting done in our Government due to massive cronyism and corruption. Until that is fixed, we will continue to see nothing but garbage come out of our Politicians. Start petitions to put people on ballots and vote _them_ into office. People with high moral character, not career politicians. Outside of an outright revolt or military coup, that is the only hope we have to fix things.
Ballot information is here, and more information is here.
Like you, I want the facts. I have seen no facts that implicate the DPRK over the people who claimed responsibility initially (GOP). Wired had an article on it two days ago when the first stories started to attempt to pin the hack on the DPRK which has been ignored by all US and UK media. Not only have all US media outlets jumped on the "it was those dirty North Koreans" bandwagon, but the BBC has become complicit in this as well.
I fairness, I was able to do some digging to find more information on the BBC that I could not in US media. Let me go through the evidence. and comment on each after that.
Before doing so, let me explain something critical. In order to teach hacking, a person has to have access to the internet. This is a huge dilemma for the DPRK who has to risk any Internet access with the knowledge that the person with access _WILL_ see information damaging to their loyalty to the DPRK. There are no computer cafe's in North Korea where guys can go learn to hack to make a couple extra bucks, in fact unless you have explicit Government approval you can not have a computer. Even if you are a "tourist" you must have permission and you will not be able to take your laptop wherever you wish.
This means that the only hacking that could come from the DPRK is Government sponsored, and the amount of hackers they have would be tiny. They don't have the money for "new" or unique equipment either, so any computer hardware they have is going to be 2nd hand junk that China no longer wants. What the Military has for hacking tools would be 2nd hand script kiddie tools or, provided by China.
Not only does an extraordinary claim require extraordinary proof, but in this case US Politicians have lied so often I don't trust a damn thing I'm told any longer. Our "media" follows the scripts they are handed just like the politicians, and I don't trust them either. So here is the claim summary.
First, the FBI says its analysis spotted distinct similarities between the type of malware used in the Sony Pictures hack and code used in an attack on South Korea last year.
So we turn to another, better clue: IP addresses - known to be part of "North Korean infrastructure" - formed part of the malware too. This suggests the attack may have been controlled by people who have acted for North Korea in the past.
That's it folks, that is all we have. The "Hacks" last year (actually since 2009) which were never tracked to the DPRK are the first reason they believe this hack was. Wow, that's quite a leap in logic. DarkSeoul is still anonymous and there is no evidence that links them to North Korea. Lots of claims that China is training and letting the DPRK use their resources, but no evidence that the group is even operating out of China. Finally we have IP addresses, which any Script kiddie knows to spoof with someone's IP address you hate! I'm positive that the FBI can not be that goddamn dumb, they have to realize IPs can be spoofed too!
There is no safe solution for nuclear waste, and until we have something it can't be the _only_ replacement for coal. Arguing "only nuclear" when viable alternative sources are able to supplement the system to reduce the dangers of waste exist is pretty foolish in my opinion.
Consider where your 40 years of advocacy has gone so far with such a limited view, and expect that to continue. In other words, my opinion is not unique.
Did you ever stop to consider the possibility that the arguments being pushed at the top of both ends are to ensure the status quo remains? If we argue about "Global Warming" where do we begin to solve the problems causing Global Arming? We have inched forward a bit with alternative source of power, but how far have we moved with pollution (dumping) and massive deforestation for profit? Very little has changed during the time we have been arguing about Global Warming, except that some of the biggest polluters have increased profits dramatically.
I agree with your post from the point of implying that bitching without taking actions to improve is a futile approach. I don't agree that building nuclear power plants is the answer to all of our woes, because this introduces a huge set of problems in and of itself. It would have been more fair to say "Alternative" vs. "Nuclear".
Like you, when I was in schools being a skeptic was a good thing. "Curiosity killed the cat, and satisfaction brought him back!" is one of the oldest quotes I remember being teased with by teachers. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a skeptic, and this modern push to demonize anyone that asks a question is really frightening. It is a cyclical part of our history, but usually when curious people are demonized we ended up with the Salem Witch trials, and purges, or other various mass tragedies (genocides).
Real science is exactly proving your arguments, over and over and over again. This is how we progress in science. If nobody in history questioned we would not have round globes, Zeus would still be the cause of lightning, and we would still be killing people to appease the Sun god(s).
Telling people to use coding for "good" is a very subjective matter. Exposing corruption is a "good" thing, and when law enforcement and Government agencies ignore corruption or become complicit in the corruption, dumping this information to the public is one of few viable options.
Reading the summary (nope, I refused to follow these links) indicates that "good" from their perspective is maintaining the status quo and allowing the corruption to continue unchecked.
And if you doubt that a "movie" can trigger a violent reaction from political reactionaries, look no further than the Benghazi attacks that were caused by a movie.
Please go do some fact checking. There are absolutely no credible sources that ever backed this nonsense about a shitty movie causing the Benghazi attacks. You can repeat the lie as often as you like, and it's still a lie. (No, a Politician making the claim is not a credible source)
Everyone has a choice, and every company has a choice. Why do you want to pass blame to others when accountability should be had by everyone. You should really consider the Gamergate "Death to Gamers" articles we can prove happened while making your consideration. Remember, the transition from everyone being confident that the Sony hack was a group called "GOP" to "Oh Noez, them nasty North Koreans" did it took less than 24 hours. From the article I linked above (emphasis mine)
First of all, Sony and the FBI have announced that they’ve found no evidence so far to tie North Korea to the attack. 2 New reports, however, indicate that intelligence officials who are not permitted to speak on the record have concluded that the North Koreans are behind the hack. But they have provided no evidence to support this and without knowing even what agency the officials belong to, it’s difficult to know what to make of the claim.
So yes, Sony is responsible for their cancellation just like AMC and Star are responsible for theirs. This "there is nothing they can do" mindset is pure idiocy. Sony "could" have put this out on PPV, could have sold elevated price DVD/Blueray copies, could have provided the material "Free" on Youtube, or taken any number of actions. All of the PR they are paying for supporting fear mongering could have been spent supporting freedom of choice.
Instead, Sony is trying to collect insurance money.
There were some journalists in Iraq shortly after the invasion. Some of the alleged "Iraq burried their mobile WMD labs" were old oil tankers, some were old water trucks, and as you stated many were mobile kitchens still driving around. What we call a "roach coach".
That people continue to believe everything some TV station tells them in regards to "terrorism" and "war" is really quite sad. The last is not targeted at you obviously (or at least I hope it's obvious).
Maybe you are too young to remember the "Mobile Chemical Weapons Labs" that were reportedly driving around mad scientists who were allegedly creating nerve agent while in a moving truck. We had "pickshures" and everything on CNN, though they strangely looked like water tankers and regular old semi tracker/trailers that all military units have.
The dialogue pinning the attack on DPRK serves many purposes, and it's been quite fun to watch this event transform from "Fuck Sony" to our ever present "Oh Noez! A bogey man" dialectic. We already have politicians claiming that the DPRK made an act of war (Newt Gingrich) and according to at least FOX and ABC the US is officially blaming the DPRK for the cyber attack (though neither have specified what agency this is). Even though evidence is weak at best.
Anyone believing the "terrorist" propaganda must somehow also believe that the DPRK has millions of bomb strapping terrorists stationed in the US ready to flock into Star and AMC to bomb people for watching a comedy.
No self respecting old timer would admit to using Joe as their editor. How the hell do you plan on getting the VI vs. EMACS flames fanned with such a claim you insensitive clod?
First, you stated that "The hackers" are "IRL terrorists". The hackers did not threaten anyone, these "threats" according to any other (credible) source were allegedly from the DPRK. Perhaps you need to clarify? Second, if you really believe that the DPRK is going to launch attacks against US theaters you should purchase a globe. If you think that somehow we will have massive amounts of fake pilots storming planes to fly them into Star Theater, you should have your head examined by a professional.
There is, nor was there, any hypocrisy but rather _you_ are playing favorites. You claim that the hackers are "IRL terrorists" but don't claim Sony is a terrorist organization. As long as you have a double standard there can be no justice in your world.
That was me that asked the question, and the person I was responding to in the thread defends Sony (or rather claims that people attacking Sony are wrong to do so).
The ever present bogey man justification. No need to have off shore monitoring of the actual potential threats (which would be massive ass container ships which are easy to track), put everything locally and monitor locally. That should let you know where the real problems are, and it's not really the bogey man.
Unpopular? How about committing illegal acts and getting away with it, and acting as a vigilante squad on their own as I demonstrated above (and TFA discusses). This has nothing to do with "popularity", it has everything to do with a company that is behaving as a cartel.
If you want to be delusional that is fine by me, but at least be honest about your intent to remain in the dark.
In this case? With regards to an industry that could be killed tomorrow if enough people simply voted with their wallet? Yes, I do think it's wrong.
This indicates that you really don't know how the world works, especially in terms of "entertainment". Perhaps 50 years ago this point would have some merit, but not within the last couple of decades at least. Actually investigate how the industry works, then we will talk.
To give you a hint, Sony in this case is a target because it's a single entity who has repeatedly screwed over consumers. They knowingly installed malware on people's computers and faced a class action lawsuit for it, though consumers received nothing from the damages. For higher profits they have sacrificed customers again and again, all to their benefit and consumer detriment. This part I am guessing you would agree with.
To the voting with your wallet, how big is Sony and how many tentacles do they have into virtually everything from hardware to software? Monopolization has ensured that you can't destroy a company that easily, it takes Government intervention to break up a company of this size. Since there are at least several Governments that pay Sony for all kinds of things from hardware to software, that won't happen any time soon. The breach and theft of a movie won't hurt them, it generates propaganda (those evil bastards just want our freedom) and PR for the movie. Are you daft enough to believe that Kim Jong-un can't figure out a comedy? Do you still believe that the Benghazi raid was because of a class E youtube movie too?
The point here is really that the only way to harm a company like Sony is with vigilantism. I don't agree with hackers releasing Sony customer data because that harms the consumers more than Sony. If they can force Sony to change, all the better. Exposing the MPAA/RIAA for their bullshit tactics may actually reduce some of the nonsense they do on a daily basis.
Will you also be quoting the National Enquirer in your quest to demonize anyone questioning the MPAA and/or Sony's behavior?
Do you believe that vigilantism is always wrong? Robin Hood was criminal stealing from "rich" who used criminal means of gaining wealth, and the peasants he was giving money to should have lynched him on the spot? (I realize this one is a fable, but a well known one and high on moral fabric).
If you don't believe vigilantism is always wrong, where do you think the line should be? Big companies are fine to do anything they want, as long as they pay the Governments to get away with it? Do the Governments have to be the actual robbers? (see next)
For posterity, the MPAA and RIAA have already targeted domains though requests to Government agencies. In this case, the MPAA is specifically considering acting as a vigilante and bypassing the Government. Can you attack a vigilante as a vigilante? Seriously, provide a rational perspective instead of gossip rags and OPED pieces. If you can't base your opinion on reason, don't bother.
And lets take out the BS regarding the DPRK launching a massive attack on the US. If you spent a few minutes contemplating the logistics you would see that this is not valid.
No, a "False Flag" does not mean completely fabricated (made up). False Flags relate to the Hegalian Dialectic, problem reaction solution. The problem does not have to be fabricated, and in fact these events work better when they are not. Stand down police to allow something to occur, then capitalize on the aftermath. In nearly all of the high profile FBI busts in the US in the last decade, the FBI acted as facilitators to recruit "terrorists", provided plans and direction for bombings, and even the fake bombs. They did not do the dirty work themselves, it would be too easy to trace. The term "patsy" should suffice for the normal.
No! He means the majority of white people are not born into vast pools of money and privilege as certain agendas are claiming. I am such a person, born into a poor white family from Detroit. Father died when I was 12, mom struggled to raise 2 kids on 1-2 jobs. I was not spoon fed a damn thing, I was however raised to believe in the American Dream. Work your ass off and you will get ahead.
I had no handouts for college, I spent 4 years in the Army so that I could pay for college. After the Military I worked full time and went to college full time, 4 years later I had 2 degrees and my first job in IT.
Your granddad is not the only person who has to pull themselves up from the bottom, people all over do it all the time. Today however, straight white males are starting way behind everyone else in the race and being crippled along the way. All because of this delusion that all straight white males have some sort of privilege. (hint: the people in the top.01% do, and they don't share with us either)
I agree with everything except for the implication that it's only corps working with the government on spying. The same collusion/cronyism problems with AT&T exist with Agriculture, Automotive, the MIC, Medical everything, Insurance, Telecom, Communications, etc...
Slashdot Mirror
First, a single person is not supposed to be able to do anything within our Senate or Congress. It takes votes, and a majority must agree with anything this person puts forward for legislation.
Second, nothing is getting done in our Government due to massive cronyism and corruption. Until that is fixed, we will continue to see nothing but garbage come out of our Politicians. Start petitions to put people on ballots and vote _them_ into office. People with high moral character, not career politicians. Outside of an outright revolt or military coup, that is the only hope we have to fix things.
Ballot information is here, and more information is here.
Like you, I want the facts. I have seen no facts that implicate the DPRK over the people who claimed responsibility initially (GOP). Wired had an article on it two days ago when the first stories started to attempt to pin the hack on the DPRK which has been ignored by all US and UK media. Not only have all US media outlets jumped on the "it was those dirty North Koreans" bandwagon, but the BBC has become complicit in this as well.
I fairness, I was able to do some digging to find more information on the BBC that I could not in US media. Let me go through the evidence. and comment on each after that.
Before doing so, let me explain something critical. In order to teach hacking, a person has to have access to the internet. This is a huge dilemma for the DPRK who has to risk any Internet access with the knowledge that the person with access _WILL_ see information damaging to their loyalty to the DPRK. There are no computer cafe's in North Korea where guys can go learn to hack to make a couple extra bucks, in fact unless you have explicit Government approval you can not have a computer. Even if you are a "tourist" you must have permission and you will not be able to take your laptop wherever you wish.
This means that the only hacking that could come from the DPRK is Government sponsored, and the amount of hackers they have would be tiny. They don't have the money for "new" or unique equipment either, so any computer hardware they have is going to be 2nd hand junk that China no longer wants. What the Military has for hacking tools would be 2nd hand script kiddie tools or, provided by China.
Not only does an extraordinary claim require extraordinary proof, but in this case US Politicians have lied so often I don't trust a damn thing I'm told any longer. Our "media" follows the scripts they are handed just like the politicians, and I don't trust them either. So here is the claim summary.
First, the FBI says its analysis spotted distinct similarities between the type of malware used in the Sony Pictures hack and code used in an attack on South Korea last year.
So we turn to another, better clue: IP addresses - known to be part of "North Korean infrastructure" - formed part of the malware too. This suggests the attack may have been controlled by people who have acted for North Korea in the past.
That's it folks, that is all we have. The "Hacks" last year (actually since 2009) which were never tracked to the DPRK are the first reason they believe this hack was. Wow, that's quite a leap in logic. DarkSeoul is still anonymous and there is no evidence that links them to North Korea. Lots of claims that China is training and letting the DPRK use their resources, but no evidence that the group is even operating out of China. Finally we have IP addresses, which any Script kiddie knows to spoof with someone's IP address you hate! I'm positive that the FBI can not be that goddamn dumb, they have to realize IPs can be spoofed too!
Ok, time to get off my soap box...
There is no safe solution for nuclear waste, and until we have something it can't be the _only_ replacement for coal. Arguing "only nuclear" when viable alternative sources are able to supplement the system to reduce the dangers of waste exist is pretty foolish in my opinion.
Consider where your 40 years of advocacy has gone so far with such a limited view, and expect that to continue. In other words, my opinion is not unique.
Did you ever stop to consider the possibility that the arguments being pushed at the top of both ends are to ensure the status quo remains? If we argue about "Global Warming" where do we begin to solve the problems causing Global Arming? We have inched forward a bit with alternative source of power, but how far have we moved with pollution (dumping) and massive deforestation for profit? Very little has changed during the time we have been arguing about Global Warming, except that some of the biggest polluters have increased profits dramatically.
I agree with your post from the point of implying that bitching without taking actions to improve is a futile approach. I don't agree that building nuclear power plants is the answer to all of our woes, because this introduces a huge set of problems in and of itself. It would have been more fair to say "Alternative" vs. "Nuclear".
Like you, when I was in schools being a skeptic was a good thing. "Curiosity killed the cat, and satisfaction brought him back!" is one of the oldest quotes I remember being teased with by teachers. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a skeptic, and this modern push to demonize anyone that asks a question is really frightening. It is a cyclical part of our history, but usually when curious people are demonized we ended up with the Salem Witch trials, and purges, or other various mass tragedies (genocides).
Real science is exactly proving your arguments, over and over and over again. This is how we progress in science. If nobody in history questioned we would not have round globes, Zeus would still be the cause of lightning, and we would still be killing people to appease the Sun god(s).
Telling people to use coding for "good" is a very subjective matter. Exposing corruption is a "good" thing, and when law enforcement and Government agencies ignore corruption or become complicit in the corruption, dumping this information to the public is one of few viable options.
Reading the summary (nope, I refused to follow these links) indicates that "good" from their perspective is maintaining the status quo and allowing the corruption to continue unchecked.
Got it, thanks for the clarification.
And if you doubt that a "movie" can trigger a violent reaction from political reactionaries, look no further than the Benghazi attacks that were caused by a movie.
Please go do some fact checking. There are absolutely no credible sources that ever backed this nonsense about a shitty movie causing the Benghazi attacks. You can repeat the lie as often as you like, and it's still a lie. (No, a Politician making the claim is not a credible source)
Everyone has a choice, and every company has a choice. Why do you want to pass blame to others when accountability should be had by everyone. You should really consider the Gamergate "Death to Gamers" articles we can prove happened while making your consideration. Remember, the transition from everyone being confident that the Sony hack was a group called "GOP" to "Oh Noez, them nasty North Koreans" did it took less than 24 hours. From the article I linked above (emphasis mine)
First of all, Sony and the FBI have announced that they’ve found no evidence so far to tie North Korea to the attack. 2 New reports, however, indicate that intelligence officials who are not permitted to speak on the record have concluded that the North Koreans are behind the hack. But they have provided no evidence to support this and without knowing even what agency the officials belong to, it’s difficult to know what to make of the claim.
So yes, Sony is responsible for their cancellation just like AMC and Star are responsible for theirs. This "there is nothing they can do" mindset is pure idiocy. Sony "could" have put this out on PPV, could have sold elevated price DVD/Blueray copies, could have provided the material "Free" on Youtube, or taken any number of actions. All of the PR they are paying for supporting fear mongering could have been spent supporting freedom of choice.
Instead, Sony is trying to collect insurance money.
There were some journalists in Iraq shortly after the invasion. Some of the alleged "Iraq burried their mobile WMD labs" were old oil tankers, some were old water trucks, and as you stated many were mobile kitchens still driving around. What we call a "roach coach".
That people continue to believe everything some TV station tells them in regards to "terrorism" and "war" is really quite sad. The last is not targeted at you obviously (or at least I hope it's obvious).
Maybe you are too young to remember the "Mobile Chemical Weapons Labs" that were reportedly driving around mad scientists who were allegedly creating nerve agent while in a moving truck. We had "pickshures" and everything on CNN, though they strangely looked like water tankers and regular old semi tracker/trailers that all military units have.
The dialogue pinning the attack on DPRK serves many purposes, and it's been quite fun to watch this event transform from "Fuck Sony" to our ever present "Oh Noez! A bogey man" dialectic. We already have politicians claiming that the DPRK made an act of war (Newt Gingrich) and according to at least FOX and ABC the US is officially blaming the DPRK for the cyber attack (though neither have specified what agency this is). Even though evidence is weak at best.
Anyone believing the "terrorist" propaganda must somehow also believe that the DPRK has millions of bomb strapping terrorists stationed in the US ready to flock into Star and AMC to bomb people for watching a comedy.
No self respecting old timer would admit to using Joe as their editor. How the hell do you plan on getting the VI vs. EMACS flames fanned with such a claim you insensitive clod?
First, you stated that "The hackers" are "IRL terrorists". The hackers did not threaten anyone, these "threats" according to any other (credible) source were allegedly from the DPRK. Perhaps you need to clarify? Second, if you really believe that the DPRK is going to launch attacks against US theaters you should purchase a globe. If you think that somehow we will have massive amounts of fake pilots storming planes to fly them into Star Theater, you should have your head examined by a professional.
There is, nor was there, any hypocrisy but rather _you_ are playing favorites. You claim that the hackers are "IRL terrorists" but don't claim Sony is a terrorist organization. As long as you have a double standard there can be no justice in your world.
That was me that asked the question, and the person I was responding to in the thread defends Sony (or rather claims that people attacking Sony are wrong to do so).
The ever present bogey man justification. No need to have off shore monitoring of the actual potential threats (which would be massive ass container ships which are easy to track), put everything locally and monitor locally. That should let you know where the real problems are, and it's not really the bogey man.
Unpopular? How about committing illegal acts and getting away with it, and acting as a vigilante squad on their own as I demonstrated above (and TFA discusses). This has nothing to do with "popularity", it has everything to do with a company that is behaving as a cartel.
If you want to be delusional that is fine by me, but at least be honest about your intent to remain in the dark.
In this case? With regards to an industry that could be killed tomorrow if enough people simply voted with their wallet? Yes, I do think it's wrong.
This indicates that you really don't know how the world works, especially in terms of "entertainment". Perhaps 50 years ago this point would have some merit, but not within the last couple of decades at least. Actually investigate how the industry works, then we will talk.
To give you a hint, Sony in this case is a target because it's a single entity who has repeatedly screwed over consumers. They knowingly installed malware on people's computers and faced a class action lawsuit for it, though consumers received nothing from the damages. For higher profits they have sacrificed customers again and again, all to their benefit and consumer detriment. This part I am guessing you would agree with.
To the voting with your wallet, how big is Sony and how many tentacles do they have into virtually everything from hardware to software? Monopolization has ensured that you can't destroy a company that easily, it takes Government intervention to break up a company of this size. Since there are at least several Governments that pay Sony for all kinds of things from hardware to software, that won't happen any time soon. The breach and theft of a movie won't hurt them, it generates propaganda (those evil bastards just want our freedom) and PR for the movie. Are you daft enough to believe that Kim Jong-un can't figure out a comedy? Do you still believe that the Benghazi raid was because of a class E youtube movie too?
The point here is really that the only way to harm a company like Sony is with vigilantism. I don't agree with hackers releasing Sony customer data because that harms the consumers more than Sony. If they can force Sony to change, all the better. Exposing the MPAA/RIAA for their bullshit tactics may actually reduce some of the nonsense they do on a daily basis.
Will you also be quoting the National Enquirer in your quest to demonize anyone questioning the MPAA and/or Sony's behavior?
Do you believe that vigilantism is always wrong? Robin Hood was criminal stealing from "rich" who used criminal means of gaining wealth, and the peasants he was giving money to should have lynched him on the spot? (I realize this one is a fable, but a well known one and high on moral fabric).
If you don't believe vigilantism is always wrong, where do you think the line should be? Big companies are fine to do anything they want, as long as they pay the Governments to get away with it? Do the Governments have to be the actual robbers? (see next)
For posterity, the MPAA and RIAA have already targeted domains though requests to Government agencies. In this case, the MPAA is specifically considering acting as a vigilante and bypassing the Government. Can you attack a vigilante as a vigilante? Seriously, provide a rational perspective instead of gossip rags and OPED pieces. If you can't base your opinion on reason, don't bother.
And lets take out the BS regarding the DPRK launching a massive attack on the US. If you spent a few minutes contemplating the logistics you would see that this is not valid.
Wrong, see the comment above. Read and understand Hegal before trying to correct people.
No, a "False Flag" does not mean completely fabricated (made up). False Flags relate to the Hegalian Dialectic, problem reaction solution. The problem does not have to be fabricated, and in fact these events work better when they are not. Stand down police to allow something to occur, then capitalize on the aftermath. In nearly all of the high profile FBI busts in the US in the last decade, the FBI acted as facilitators to recruit "terrorists", provided plans and direction for bombings, and even the fake bombs. They did not do the dirty work themselves, it would be too easy to trace. The term "patsy" should suffice for the normal.
Is that NUCLEAR or NUCULAR?
No! He means the majority of white people are not born into vast pools of money and privilege as certain agendas are claiming. I am such a person, born into a poor white family from Detroit. Father died when I was 12, mom struggled to raise 2 kids on 1-2 jobs. I was not spoon fed a damn thing, I was however raised to believe in the American Dream. Work your ass off and you will get ahead.
I had no handouts for college, I spent 4 years in the Army so that I could pay for college. After the Military I worked full time and went to college full time, 4 years later I had 2 degrees and my first job in IT.
Your granddad is not the only person who has to pull themselves up from the bottom, people all over do it all the time. Today however, straight white males are starting way behind everyone else in the race and being crippled along the way. All because of this delusion that all straight white males have some sort of privilege. (hint: the people in the top .01% do, and they don't share with us either)
I agree with everything except for the implication that it's only corps working with the government on spying. The same collusion/cronyism problems with AT&T exist with Agriculture, Automotive, the MIC, Medical everything, Insurance, Telecom, Communications, etc...