Archive for December, 2005
Echelon and Espionage
Recent Events
Echelon is a NSA communications intercept system which has hit the news again recently, in spite of the US being very coy about admitting to its existence. The main difference between it and other electronic signals intelligence systems is its automation  it works by using voice recognition of key words and phrases, then [...]
Anatomy of a Race Riot
Some observations about the Cronulla “race riots” of the weekend, at the risk
of going over the same old ground that the media has been rehashing daily:
There’s an element of “mods and rockers” in all this, because most beach visitors
are non-locals who come in by train from the western suburbs to use the beach.
Cultural differences make [...]
Gandhi Non-Violence
Ten principles of non-violent action:
Humiliating or deliberately provoking your opponent invites violence.
Knowing your facts and arguments well helps avoid violence.
If you are open about your cause your opponent is less likely to be violent.
Look for common ground between you and your opponents to promote trust and understanding.
Do not judge others.
Trust your opponent. They will sense [...]
Harold Pinter’s Nobel Acceptance Speech
Harold Pinter had this
to say about US foreign policy. It’s a worthwhile summary of 20th century history and
the video
is here. (Realplayer).
TasCCL Rally photos
Some photos from the recent TasCCL protest at Australia’s new anti terror laws. The speakers are Allison from Amnesty, Peg Putt, and Paul Storr.
About 50 people turned up, which is pretty good considering it’s Tuesday morning with no time for publicity. Not that anything can be done about the laws. It’s not so much an [...]
Aus Foreign Minister and Sudan
Some time ago I’d written to the Australian Foreign Minister to bring to his
attention the situation in Darfur, and to ask him to work exert what pressure he
could to bring about a stronger AU force with a better mandate.
Today I got a reply from Foreign Affairs Dept., and it put a slightly different
slant on the [...]
We’re all Rosa
Bristling Badger has a
fantastic post
about civil rights, power, and hero worship.
Read and take to heart!
