h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have finally pinpointed WHY changes in US and coprorate issues of privacy are really bothering me in this techno age. It is the fact that there is an obvious imbalance developing. An inbalance between an individuals and a governments privacy. Much of it is without choice.

The personal privacy of the individual is less due to technology. Some by personal choices due to convenience or lack of attention to details affect it also.

The government privacy is increasing. Thankfully because of the net we know that Bush was able to close down access to his & Dads previous information. We know what bills have said that they've not bothered to publicise. This is not about 9-11, it was done before. Some of his first acts were to close down access to information in Texas state papers, his Governorship period, his fathers Presidental papers and a variety of other matters. Requests for information are met with the advice; if at all in doubt say no and that was before 9-11. The rebuilding contracts were not open. The process for redrawing party lines has not been open in all states.

Fine if the goal is a more open society. The government would need to be as open as the citizens. That would be closer to a free and open society. Just like folks who think there should be no problems with lack of privacy often say "if an individual has nothing to hide." Fine if the the government should be open to examination and pass the same test. There is no free press without them being open. This latest NY times deal is not the only service employing people doing the same. The questions is why? The news agencies seem to be the least surprised.

Seems there should be conscious goals, decisions and balance to this. Information IS power, there should be power on both sides. When there is no balance of power the is no freedom.

There is no consistant philosophy being followed. We need to choose open or close and make it a democratic process of information and privacy. Truth is vital for an open system. It could be a turning point in US history which ever way it goes.

I was thinking about this today. I had been of the mind that I don't have anything to hide, nor do I do anything interesting enough to be noteworthy to the office of homeland security. But just this afternoon I was thinking that somewhere is a group of people who have access to all this information and what will they do with it? I don't trust anyone in government to keep my non-secrets safe. I think this information could eventually be used to harm innocent people. Sure, give up a little for the greater good, but where does it stop? And who decides?

That's it "where does it stop? And who decides?"

How are you Julianna? Haven't 'talked' to you in quite awhile!

Hello Jazzed! I'm doing well ... a little tired, but living with a baby and a toddler will do that to anyone. I think I'm heading to bed soon. Did you enjoy your snow storm last week? It was last week, wasn't it? I can't keep track of the days or weeks or months. I don't think I've lost the years yet, have I?

Snows gone now, thank goodness! Anyway goodnight, hope to 'talk' more when you've got time.

Even those who have nothing to hide sometimes value privacy.
Andrea

Hello Andrea, how've you been?

Hello Andrea,jazz & Juliana
Nice to see you all.

It seems once things have gone to far, it's harder to reign them back in. Temporary taxes and laws never seem to get repealed. The consequences of taxes ,where the tax money goes ,are not discussed after the taxation begins.

I am still amazed the cigaretee tax does nothing to pay for the publics health cost involved. That was the reason for the law suits and taxes wasn't it? They are talking about fat taxes how will those taxes be used? I used to think that charging for vices might help people quit, perhaps taking the habits more seriously. When it a tax it does not seem to. Clinics and programs for smoking & weight would say if you sign ,commit money it will work! Once again it is 30% of the people who try to change a habit that actually do. There is no magic way.

Back to privacy ~ the government has access to medical records but try an get a copy of your own info to another professional and it is not always accessable, it can hold you up for days to weeks. Yet the pharmacy has sold my info to pharmacuetical companies to send me adverts for medications! This is NOT a requested service of me, not a courtesy and it's certainly not private!

The bank recently made it difficult to mail order checks. The form had "use the internet it's easy" all over the paperwork and the touch tone number (with a code needed) NO address of the bank anywhere on the *mailable form So yes, it's much faster to NOT mail! I know it's all on computer anyway but the more times it's entered through more doors it's surely less secure I'd think. In the name of convenient access info also goes to sales, frauds and governments. If a mistake is made on your info, look out & good luck! The credit agencies are awful about correcting info on file, while more & more areas are depending on them. Dr.s and insurance companies check your credit rating to judge you generally reliable or risky!

Hello Andrea,jazz & Juliana
Nice to see you all.

It seems once things have gone to far, it's harder to reign them back in. Temporary taxes and laws never seem to get repealed. The consequences of taxes ,where the tax money goes ,are not discussed after the taxation begins.

I am still amazed the cigaretee tax does nothing to pay for the publics health cost involved. That was the reason for the law suits and taxes wasn't it? They are talking about fat taxes how will those taxes be used? I used to think that charging for vices might help people quit, perhaps taking the habits more seriously. When it a tax it does not seem to. Clinics and programs for smoking & weight would say if you sign ,commit money it will work! Once again it is 30% of the people who try to change a habit that actually do. There is no magic way.

Back to privacy ~ the government has access to medical records but try an get a copy of your own info to another professional and it is not always accessable, it can hold you up for days to weeks. Yet the pharmacy has sold my info to pharmacuetical companies to send me adverts for medications! This is NOT a requested service of me, not a courtesy and it's certainly not private!

The bank recently made it difficult to mail order checks. The form had "use the internet it's easy" all over the paperwork and the touch tone number (with a code needed) NO address of the bank anywhere on the *mailable form So yes, it's much faster to NOT mail! I know it's all on computer anyway but the more times it's entered through more doors it's surely less secure I'd think. In the name of convenient access info also goes to sales, frauds and governments. If a mistake is made on your info, look out & good luck! The credit agencies are awful about correcting info on file, while more & more areas are depending on them. Dr.s and insurance companies check your credit rating to judge you generally reliable or risky!

Hi Abbi, Your right again! yesterday I went to pay in my disability cheque at the bank as normal, to cover my house bills. Any way the teller took ages to do it, as everything is "Automated" she explains, A machine counts the money, and so on! Any way the whole process took around 6 times longer than it used to when done by hand! Just where does all this nonsence stop
Smudger.

"I used to think that charging for vices might help people quit"

I was looking through old pictures with my grandmother once and was shocked to see a photo of my grandfather smoking a cigarette. I had never seen him smoke. My grandmother told me how when they first put a tax on cigarettes my grandfather said he was not about to pay a tax for that and never smoked again. But I guess times were different then. There weren't as many taxes then and people weren't as used to having to pay them. I am very motivated by money (or the lack of it.) I don't like to speed because I don't want to get a speeding ticket and pay for that as well as higher insurance rates. I wish I could say that I followed the rules because they are the rules, but it's often because I don't like the consequences.

Consequences are important, they're the best way to learn about decision making. I am glad I was taught that way. It works for me too.

I will never ever understand why consequences have not affected my decisions on smoking. I have never smoked a lot, or increased except for short smoking binges when I drank occassionally, a lifetime ago. I suppose I concentrate too much on the immediate consequences. I get bitchy. I hate bitchiness for no good reason. You have a good reason ? I'll help, but no reason is just downright unattractive. I hate myself if I get that way. I would rather live with anything else.

Not right, Not smart, Not proud, it just is for now.
*smoking*

Hi Abbi, it seems to be going that way in the UK as well. Then again I am often shocked by the things that the US government used to get away with, like the experiments on the disabled. Sterilising all those with Downs syndrome, etc etc, it may not all be true, but it seems a lot was in the 30's and 40's.

There were a lot of experiements in the 50's too. Particuarly anyone in an institution. Mental Hospitals, orphanges, military.

They have always experimented on the military, it is good for observing mass effects of immunizations and such for the public safety. Some were not so admirable. The depleted uranium they have been using lately has poisoned water sources and soldiers .I believe without their for telling. That is not a direct experiment but a learning situation, I HOPE.


So how are you doing Kaz? I saw you in the Nation. I left some links in the *have u seen this page* section. I am not sure if they would be helpful. I was partially thinking of you, you'd asked questions many others have. I was hoping some info might be useful.I hope that was a bad day and you are feeling better. I tried to send an email tha day and it came back to me

I think open is best.

If we're going to share, let's share across the board. No more national security crap. If the government or big business wants to know something about me they don't already know, let them be forthcoming with all their deep dark little secrets too.

This is sort of like "the man who keeps the law in his bosom". That's aristocratic bilge. The law needed to come out of some shithead's bosom into the light of day and public scrutiny. Likewise, information about the people or the commonwealth shouldn't be a doomsday book for the exclusive use of the official looters but something we can all use if we want.

Bet that'll play in Washington, DC won't it? Hah!!

*Analiese is energized*