from the double-double dept
I'm not sure when or if this has happened before: this week we've got cross-category winners in both the first and second place spots, both in response to the latest example of a SLAPP suit filed by a supposed free speech supporter. Norahc won first place for both insightful and funny by putting a name to this increasingly common hypocritical phenomenon:
Hereafter, this should be referred to as the Nunes Effect.
Meanwhile an anonymous comment took second place for both insightful and funny with a response to someone misusing the notion of "freedom of speech does not mean freedom of consequences" as though it was meant to include lawsuits:
Interesting theory. Then for the US, I propose a new civil law that allows people to sue others for owning guns. Like, if you are unhappy that someone owns a gun, you can sue them for up to a million dollars. Thankfully this would not infringe on the 2nd Amendment, since they are still free to own guns, just not free from the consequences.
And since that's all the winners right there, we now move straight on to editor's choice for both categories! On the insightful side, we've got a pair of comments about the ongoing privacy wars on multiple fronts. First it's That One Guy responding to the states that argued against the Pennsylvania ruling that compelled password production violates the 5th amendment:
A telling, and worrying, argument
"In a joint amicus brief in support of the Commonwealth, various states provide an interesting history of modern encryption, press the troubling consequences of Appellants position including the altering of the balance of power, rendering law enforcement incapable of accessing large amounts of relevant evidence and warn that adopting Appellants position could result in less privacy, not more, in the form of draconian anti-privacy legislation."
'If you don't let us violate constitutional rights we'll pass unconstitutional laws in order to let us do so' is really not the sort of thing you want multiple states arguing, as that shows a mindset that considers constitutional protections and privacy of the public not limits to be respected and something to uphold respectively, but obstacles to be worked around and/or undermined.
Law enforcement has never had access to all of the evidence they've wanted, and the fact that there are more ways for people to protect their privacy, even if that includes really terrible people, is not grounds to start giving them that which they have never had and never will have, especially when it will come at such a great cost to the general public.
Next, it's Bergman responding to our post about the EU telling the US to ban strong encryption:
Nerding Harder
The US government has over a hundred times greater access to people's communications, personal papers and everything else now than it did when the Fourth Amendment was written. The US government has surveillance capabilities beyond the worst nightmares of our founders.
Our law enforcement has never had a problem finding anyone from petty thieves to traitors, from illegal immigrants to foreign spies. But they're saying now that their incredible wealth of information is insufficient, that we are at risk of them being unable to catch all these bad people if we return to a level of government surveillance that persisted for most of our history, that they had zero problems with then.
The answer is as simple as it is obvious. The tech sector is not the group that needs to nerd harder. They people who need to nerd harder are the government agencies that are apparently slacking off, because with greater capacity to find bad guys they are claiming a reduced ability to actually pursue them.
Giving them more tools when they aren't fully utilizing the ones they already have is silly, they just won't fully utilize those either.
They just need to nerd harder at the NSA, DOJ and ICE.
On the funny side, we start out with allengarvin responding to our post about the court that tossed 82 pounds of marijuana because of the deputy's pretextual traffic stop:
"The rental car was only doing 60 mph in a 70-mph speed zone"
That crime is far worse than carrying 82 lbs of marijuana. If you're not passing someone, GET OUT OF THE DAMN PASSING LANE!!
And finally, we've got an anonymous response to our post about cord-cutting in which we accused cable execs of sticking their heads in the ground:
Pretty sure that is NOT where they are sticking their heads...
That's all for this week, folks!
Read this article:
Funniest/Most Insightful Comments Of The Week At Techdirt - Techdirt
- Free speech is sacred [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2011]
- CNN Official Interview: Larry Flynt defends free speech [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2011]
- Free Speech TV- Spring Membership Drive.mov [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2011]
- World: Free Speech Controversy in South Africa - nytimes.com/video [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2011]
- Dear YouTube: Free Speech MY ASS! [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- The Zionist War on Free Speech [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2011]
- UC Berkeley Mario Savio Free Speech Movement 45th Ann. [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2011]
- The New Culture Wars: How the Right Stifles Free Speech Through Art Censorship [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2011]
- Free speech in Europe [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2011]
- DMD2 Is Not Alone - I AM ME MONTH [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2011]
- Free Speech for Hamsters [Last Updated On: June 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 9th, 2011]
- Students Who "Support" Free Speech Want to Ban Conservatives From Radio [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2011]
- Ai Weiwei a symbol of free speech in Hong Kong [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2011]
- Shariah Muslims Hate Free Speech [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2011]
- Christopher Hitchens -- Free Speech Part 1 [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2011]
- 'Geert Wilders verdict: Victory for Free Speech' [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- Wilders hails acquittal as 'a victory for free speech' [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- Free Speech is Offensive* [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- FSTV Newswire - June 23rd, 2011 Segment Two [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- Violent Video Games are Protected by Free Speech [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2011]
- Supreme Court Strikes Down Arizona Campaign Finance Law-Nick Dranias [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2011]
- Mark Steyn on Free Speech [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2011]
- Independent Voices 5x15: Johann Hari on free speech and religious fundamentalism [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2011]
- Independent Voices 5x15: Max Mosley on free speech and the press [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2011]
- Independent Voices 5x15: Evgeny Lebedev on the importance of free speech [Last Updated On: July 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2011]
- Independent Voices 5x15: Charlotte Harris on the law and free speech [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2011]
- Bernie Sanders address to Free Speech TV Activsts [Last Updated On: July 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 16th, 2011]
- Town Moves To Ban Free Speech in Private Homes, Group Meetings [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2011]
- Free Speech TV NAACP Coverage Promo [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2011]
- 07/21/11 Adam Full Show We're all terrorists now, Free bullets, not free speech, [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2011]
- Free Bullets, not free speech [Last Updated On: July 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 24th, 2011]
- Christopher Hitchens -- Free Speech Part 2.flv [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2011]
- The CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley - Cell service shutdown ignites free speech debate [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2011]
- Youtube proves free speech requires money [Last Updated On: August 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 23rd, 2011]
- Defending Free Speech With a 'Panic Button' [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2011]
- ADL - Anti-Defamation League - the war on free speech. [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2011]
- Police at the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office try to censor free speech of protestors. [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2011]
- Supreme Court Revokes Annoying Man's Free Speech Rights (Season 1 Ep: 3 on IFC) [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2011]
- Political signs become issue in race [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Ezra Levant: Saudi Arabian Fascists Threaten Free Speech In Canada! [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- Zionists Attack American Muslims Right To Free Speech [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2011]
- Imam Rauf on Free Speech [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- No Freedom of Speech in War? [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- [OCCUPY WALL STREET] NYPD Violently Strips the Right to Free Speech [#OccupyWallstreet] [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Inside Story - Free speech at any cost? [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2011]
- Obama's Visit to Minneapolis - Free Speech Zone Outside [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2011]
- "Citizens Intervention" Free Speech Open Mic #Oct29 No. 1: PhenomeJon - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- NYPD Violently Strips the Right to Free Speech - OCCUPY WALLSTREET - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2011]
- Free Speech Is Great! - Video [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2011]
- What's the Biggest Threat to Free Speech? - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- Does free speech exist at all? - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- Supreme Court rules free speech allowed at funerals - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2011]
- Everything Is Different Now - Free Speech - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2011]
- Citizens Arrested for committing FREE SPEECH in Washington DC - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2011]
- ACLU Explains Free Speech Rights For Protesters - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Free speech activist faces jail for criticizing Islam, Sharia Law - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Occupy NS Oct 21 2011 Free Speech - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- OccupyMN Wins Free Speech Battle With Hennepin County - Video [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2011]
- Teacher Blog : Free Speech ? - Video [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2011]
- Mark Levin Discusses Free Speech, The American Flag, And The Leftist Assault On Our Public Schools - Video [Last Updated On: November 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2011]
- Free speech #7 w/ Tormel Pittman - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2011]
- Metallica - Free Speech for the Dumb | with lyrics - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2011]
- YOUTUBE BEING SUED FOR 51 PERCENT CONTROL FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE 'S FREE SPEECH - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2011]
- Rense Radio - David Duke The Patricia McAllister Free Speech Controversy [2011.10.26] - Video [Last Updated On: November 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 19th, 2011]
- Christopher Hitchens Debate - Free Speech, Liberty and politics - Video [Last Updated On: November 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 22nd, 2011]
- Pulaski County Planning Commission Watershed Vote attempt to stop free speech 02.wmv - Video [Last Updated On: November 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 24th, 2011]
- FSTV Thanksgiving - Video [Last Updated On: November 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2011]
- Do Cops Have Free Speech in the Drug War? - Video [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2011]
- Speak Out: America Is a Free Speech Forum - Video [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2011]
- You Can Defeat Elites' SOPA Bill to Censor Internet Free Speech - Video [Last Updated On: December 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2011]
- Occupy Protesters Free Speech Class - Video [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2011]
- John Stossel - Free Speech And Its Enemies - Video [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2011]
- COFS - Free Speech in the Age of Terrorism (10-10-11) - Video [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2011]
- Internet Kill Switch = Death of Free Speech on the Web: Infowars Nightly News - Video [Last Updated On: December 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 24th, 2011]
- Muslims Exercise Free Speech in Germany.Cops Show Support and Rip Down Israeli Flag - Video [Last Updated On: January 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 2nd, 2012]
- Don't Mess with Firefly! How SciFi Fans Made a Campus Safe for Free Speech (feat. Neil Gaiman) - Video [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2012]
- Your allotted amount of free speech has expired! - Video [Last Updated On: January 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 6th, 2012]
- COFS - Free Speech in the Age of the Internet (10-10-11) - Video [Last Updated On: January 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 7th, 2012]
- Bullying is Free Speech? - Video [Last Updated On: January 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 12th, 2012]
- Free Speech Has a Price - Video [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2012]