FC: Majority of Americans want anti-encryption laws, poll says

[Jay D. Dyson]

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On Tue, 18 Sep 2001, Hadmut Danisch wrote:

> > Also note that 72 percent of those surveyed said anti-encryption laws would
> > be "somewhat" or "very" helpful in preventing similar terrorist attacks.
> 
> An emotional anti-crypto-campaign seems to have started.

	Not only emotional, but totally bereft of logic.  Consider the
"findings" of such a "poll" if the question had been: 

	"If it will help the U.S. combat terrorism, will you stop beating
your wife?"  (((Yes!  I mean, No!  I mean...!  Oh, bloody hell.)))

	With that sort of loaded question, not only would the "findings"
be that the public wants the U.S. to successfully combat terrorism, but
that a vast majority of our nation's citizens are wife-beaters.

	But the press props it up as justification for the gradual erosion
of our liberties.  The academic and civil-rights-minded crowds will
protest, but the emotional appeals of those promising greater security
will likely drown them out. 

	And the general public, either unaware or uncaring of the
consequences, will simply reply: "Que absurdum est."

- -Jay

  (    (                                                          _______
  ))   ))   .--"There's always time for a good cup of coffee"--.   >====<--.
C|~~|C|~~| (>------ Jay D. Dyson -- jdyson at treachery.net ------<) |    = |-'
 `--' `--'  `-- What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. --'  `------'

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