31835
submission
porkrind writes:
Republicans are living in fear, and they're making policy inspired by this fear. They're dreadfully afraid of terrorists and extremists - so much so that they're willing to drop their freedoms in the hopes of saving their own skin. The Iraq war is a manifestation of this fear. The PATRIOT ACT is an expression of this fear. The willingness to subvert habeas corpus, detain *possible* terrorist group members indefinitely without criminal charges, enact broader search and seizure guidelines, and engage in torture all reflect a basic, inate fear of the enemy. The fear stems from the belief that keeping our freedom intact results in a higher risk of a terrorist strike.
Does this not strike anyone as hypocritical? Aren't republicans in this country fond of saying "freedom isn't free," "our troops are dying for our freedoms," and other similar phrases? If it is true that "freedom isn't free" and that it's worth dying for, then what gives with the cheap sellout of freedom in exchange for our collective safety? In short, shouldn't Republicans be willing to grow a pair and accept the risk that comes with freedom?
I'm tired of what is obvious (republicans' white-knuckle fear of terrorism) being passed over in favor of what is simply untrue - that they hold the roadmap for the most effective anti-terrorism policy. Maybe all Americans need to grow a pair and realize that taking the high road of morality and human rights means facing up to the inherent risk.
Given the choice between dying for our founding principles and living on in a pale imitation of said principles, I know what I'll choose.
If there are evil people in this world who will exploit our laws and governance to strike us, then may God have mercy on their souls. I'm not going to use that as an excuse to drop the very things that made us what we are today, and neither should you. When you vote on Tuesday, bear in mind that exactly one party has overwhelmingly ruled from a position of fear. You know which party that is, and now is the time to send them the message that you won't tolerate this shortchange of principles.
Republicans are pansies. Pass it on.
http://www.digg.com/political_opinion/Republicans_ are_Pansies_Pass_it_on
1296
submission
porkrind writes:
When I was laboring as the LinuxWorld conference director back in April, I came up with the idea of a community-based Ubuntu conference, which I named "The UbuCon" (rhymes with Rubicon). After getting enthusiastic permission from Google people to host it there — thanks Chris and Leslie — the rest fell into place.
The UbuCon turned out better than I could have possibly imagined. With little promotion, not to mention a minimum of planning, at least 60 and possibly up to 70 total showed up to discuss various topics, mostly specific to Ubuntu but also about Linux and free software in general. Google was a splendid host (and many remarked how the food was top-notch), and Leslie put some great finishing touches at the site — handy signs directing people to the right place, food layout, and just being an all-around cool person.
I could write up a description of the conference, but someone already beat me to it, and I couldn't possibly do a better job than that. So, I'll just note that the speaker and session lists are now complete if you visit the UbuCon schedule. You can also find Corey B's UbuCon writeup as well as some photos here and here. See the UbuCon Blog for more writeups and the wiki for RSVP list, schedule, and other stuff.
