Re: CDR: RE: Screwing Jim Bell and Cypherpunks
Tim May Wrote: >> I think the Bell case indicates the need for Cypherpunks to start >> writing code again, and stop engaging in meatspace theatrics. > First, Bell's actions are not the actions of most members of this > mailing list. Frankly, this is a logical error: referring to > "Cypherpunks" as a collective entity and then imputing the views or > actions of a few to be the views or actions of the collective entity. > The government does this routinely. Well, I never use "Cypherpunks" to mean anything other than "those presently subscribed to the list." It's just shorter to type. It's much like saying that some.newsgroup needs to stop gratuitous crossposting. It is not implied by that statement that some.newsgroup is a collective entity defined by anything more than readership, or that everyone in some.newsgroup is engaging in the problematical behavior. > Second, talk to Phil Z. and Kelly G. about their legal issues for > several years, as the government sought to prosecute one or both of > them for violations of the ITARs (and maybe more). True, neither was > ultimately charged. Their legal bills were substantial, however, and > they could have face prison time and massive fines. > Whatever people do in the way of writing code, doing it as near to > untraceably as possible would seem to be the way to go. Fine, change the motto to "Cypherpunks anonymously write code." -- Eric Michael Cordian 0+ O:.T:.O:. Mathematical Munitions Division "Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Whole Of The Law"
Re: CDR: RE: Screwing Jim Bell and Cypherpunks
DCF wrote: > Save that the Feds have no interest in proceeding against any list > posters with cash and brains (or perhaps self-control). I think the Bell case indicates the need for Cypherpunks to start writing code again, and stop engaging in meatspace theatrics. Then no one would be on trial, and there wouldn't be a thing any government could do to stop it. Cypherpunks should be about creating and disseminating technology which permits the most complex plans and activities of the most widely disseminated group of persons, to be as safe from state interference as a single individual's private thoughts. Let's not get distracted from that goal by the fact that a couple of the list's more confrontational members are being picked off by an Self-Important Treasury Agent and a Senile Luddite Judge. -- Eric Michael Cordian 0+ O:.T:.O:. Mathematical Munitions Division "Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Whole Of The Law"
Re: CDR: RE: Screwing Jim Bell and Cypherpunks
At 12:34 PM 3/30/01 -0500, John Young wrote: >Doesn't matter what you know, what matters is the evidence >provided by others about a cypherpunk movment. Its most >reputable actors, its most convincing statements, its most >celebrated manifestos, its most publicized threats to the >commonweal. Save that the Feds have no interest in proceeding against any list posters with cash and brains (or perhaps self-control). They have only arrested two very tangential participants with neither cash nor self control. They won't proceed against others because they would lose to a full defense and they know it. Maybe there are some other JB's or CJ's on the list. Any candidates? Those might be endangered but no one else. DCF Orbis non sufficit
