So once again, the U.S. government is looking to expand its ever-reaching power by preparing legislation that would force all services that enable communication to be able to comply to a government-issued wiretap order. The bill, which is scheduled to be introduced next year, would encompass encrypted email communications, cell phone transmissions, peer-to-peer services (like Google Voice) and social networking sites like Facebook.
Law enforcement officials say that this is necessary for them to maintain their current power in wiretapping with newer and stronger technology and is not about expanding power. Internet freedom advocacy groups have spoken out against the
Individual Security Versus National Security
by Jason Lightner September 28th, 2010 
Independent Ideas, Political Opinions
Moving in the Right Direction
by Ronald A. Rowe September 20th, 2010 Political Opinions, Political Polls
Is the Country moving in the right direction?
This is one of the professional pollsters’ favorite questions in all the world. In good times and bad, regardless of the party in power, there is always a poll or three available to tell us that the country is heading down the tubes.
Under President Bush, the percentage of people who thought we were moving in the right direction was around 40%. Two years into the Obama administration, we’re still sitting right at 40%. One has to wonder what the respondents to this question think is meant by "moving in the
This is one of the professional pollsters’ favorite questions in all the world. In good times and bad, regardless of the party in power, there is always a poll or three available to tell us that the country is heading down the tubes.
Under President Bush, the percentage of people who thought we were moving in the right direction was around 40%. Two years into the Obama administration, we’re still sitting right at 40%. One has to wonder what the respondents to this question think is meant by "moving in the
Vote ___ on 4
by Ronald A. Rowe September 13th, 2010 Political Opinions
Driving in to work this morning a saw a small sign that said simply “Vote No on 4”. That’s been bothering me, but it isn’t for the reasons you might think. I don’t even know yet what ballot item #4 is.
No, the problem I’m having is that the sign said only that - “Vote No on 4”. Between now and the election, I will get a sample ballot, study the initiatives, and make an informed decision as to how I’ll vote. That’s part of what I do as a political writer and pundit. I
No, the problem I’m having is that the sign said only that - “Vote No on 4”. Between now and the election, I will get a sample ballot, study the initiatives, and make an informed decision as to how I’ll vote. That’s part of what I do as a political writer and pundit. I
Much Ado About Mosques (Read: Nothing)
by Jason Lightner September 6th, 2010 Independent Ideas, Political Opinions
Recently a mosque was approved to be built in an area near Ground Zero in New York and a lot of folks are still up in arms about it. A friend of mine posted on his Facebook page the other day: "I don't think it's wrong to build a mosque there but I think it's kinda tasteless." I find this interesting and think that it shows a great lack of understanding in some Americans.
To begin with, we need to make a distinction between "Muslim" and "extremist Muslim terrorist." This is why our President is getting flack
To begin with, we need to make a distinction between "Muslim" and "extremist Muslim terrorist." This is why our President is getting flack