28 Mar 2003
Restrictions and Speech

Computer scientists petition White House [CNET News.com]

I think I agree with this petition (at least in part) - the proposed rules stifle research and probably do more harm than good, as the MIT study concluded:

"We believe that the restrictions of the free flow of research results, as well as control of individual access, would negatively impact national security by hampering the progress of science."

I would make an exception for civil engineering stuff, especially as it related to infrastructure (chemical and nuclear plant designs, etc.). Publishing these types of things openly will probably retard research as well, but it would also open the door for far more immediate and catastrophic damage... tough call.

00:00 /Politics | 0 comments | permanent link

Fear is Relative

As a follower of an ancient religion that is slowly reconstituting itself, despite great odds, I was dismayed by the Taliban's destruction of the Buddha statues in Afghanistan in early 2001. I saw these priceless works of antiquity in something of the same light as I see the Sagas from Iceland (for the Buddhist, of course). Reflections of faith from across the ages. But I wondered - where was the expression of outrage? Oh, to be sure, there was a "tempest in a teapot" kind of wailing that went up, but nothing like the prolonged gnashing of teeth that accompanied the destruction of Native America religious sites by the Park Service several years ago. And no outpouring of art from our esteemed arts community, always ready to slam Catholics for their stance on gays, for example.

This explains alot ...

It's a question of relative fear, of the (perceived or real) difference between facing an angry Catholic activist and an angry Muslim one. "Christians can take it," Anderson said.

00:00 /Asatru | 0 comments | permanent link