RE: Hackers branded as terrorists was: (no subject)

[David.X.Kahn@xxxxxxx]

JJT wrote:

> I definitely agree that there needs to be shades of gray in these
> verdicts. I'm NOT in favor of life sentences for kiddie-hackers.
> And I definitely agree with the ACLU that this needs to be thinked
> through, very deliberately.

Quite.

> But I also think the USG is moving in the right direction, and the courts
> are moving in the wrong direction.

The courts are not moving in any direction; they simply interpret the law.
The question is not which direction you are moving in, but the need to
proceed with extreme caution. Hasty legislation is nearly always bad
legislation - akin in our world to putting major systems in without
testing. Legislation forced through against the usual checks and balances
is a violation of democratic principles. Retrospective legislation is
morally questionable at best. With the tone of some of these posts I'm
concerned that a McCarthy atmosphere might be emerging following the
terrible events of September 11. The destruction of democracy and freedom
is what the terrorists seek. Don't help them.

Dave...
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