Links for January 30, 2012: ACTA is the new SOPA; More on Ron Paul and Racism; others....

1. Anonymous | What Is ACTA ?

   I can’t commenting on the specifics, as I have not read the agreement, but this much I know: As technology improves, copyright enforcement will become more invasive and more draconian. As I consider intellectual property to be on shaky philosophical ground anyhow, I’d prefer to relinquish it now, a la Stephan Kinsella, than live under the coming police state, a la SOPA, PIPA, and now ACTA.

2. IfrahLaw: Crime In The Suites | Indictments of Megaupload Are a Greater Threat to Web Users Than Piracy

   Just because SOPA may has been tabled, that doesn’t necessarily make the internet a safe place to store and share information.

3. Al Jazeera English | Ron Paul and the liberty of bullies

   This tightly knit sweater of criticism leaves a few strings dangling. It deserves a full response. For now, just understand that the alternative to a Civil Rights Act that forces blacks and whites to make nice is not necessarily either government-mandated Jim Crow segregation or segregation reinforced by mob violence. There is another way: Ron Paul’s way, which is not to force anyone to do anything, and to punish those who force their will on others. 

4. The Onion | Ron Paul Supporter Likes The Way Paul Tells It Like It Has No Chance Of Being

   Sad, but true straight talk from the Onion. Much of what Ron Paul supports would not be implemented without congressional approval, which he would not receive.

5. NYTimes.com | Free-Market Socialism

   If President Obama is really serious about restoring American economic dynamism, he needs an aggressive two-pronged approach: More economic freedom combined with more social structure; more competition combined with more support.
   …
   This agenda is libertarian in the capitalist sector and activist in the human capital sector. Don’t triangulate meekly toward the center; select bold policies from both ends.

   David Brooks writes of an alternative economic approach. It’s a nice sentiment. I’d like to hear more details. Some irreconcilables are bound to meet, but I might tolerate them now in exchange for a substantial move in the proper direction.

6. TED.com | Lisa Harouni: A primer on 3D printing

   In some cases, we can abolish, totally, the need for manual labor.

   …and in 75 years, bureaucrats and statists will wrongly claim credit for our lives of leisure….

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

About these ads