I read this far...

- China has the Great Firewall.
- The US has illegal wiretaps. ... and figured if you think those two things are equal, then you have nothing to offer in intelligent debate.

One involves selective monitoring by the government of people of "interest". The other involves denying information to the entire population of the country.

Now, if you'd compared the great firewall to the half-arsed australian Tin Fence, you might have some kind of point. Probably on the top of your head.

"Why isn't this done?"

Maybe Panama doesn't have an aircraft carrier? If you want to go with a flag of convenience, looks like you have to put up with a navy of convenience.

Welcome to 1688..

"Wow. I am immediately going to apply for a national science foundation grant to recreate the historic of Hunter S Thompson. "

Bags Shotgun...

Nice start, but you really should add "linux is a kernel" to your list.

AFK..

Why do I get mod points when the only thing to moderate is zealotry around the release of Ubuntu Funky Fuckwit?

It's Taxation 2.0. the public generate the income and the government utilises it for profit.

I'll have to get back to you on that...

AFK....

I don't know about "flamebait", but this would make a great "ask Slashdot". Another 1200 comment thread would certainly drive up the ad revenue.

"What would you do? Keep them in a lab? How would you justify that?"

"Pubic safety"

There, fixed that for you. You sick greedy bastard....

Nope. It's not a road.
The Russian Satellite should have been transmitting "starboard, you arsehole", or the robotic Russian equivalent.