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From: mikeu@pro-magic.cts.com (System Administrator)
Newsgroups: comp.society.futures
Subject: Freedom
Message-ID: <3533@crash.cts.com>
Date: 15 Jul 90 14:36:02 GMT
Sender: root@crash.cts.com
Lines: 45
X-Local-Date: 15 Jul 90 07:36:02 PDT

I applaud the creation of the foundations and societies to ensure that first
ammendment rights are extended to the world of telecommunication by computer.

However, I am concerned at the new orgainizations rush to apparently support
what might have been criminal intent in the two cases they are embracing.

Attempts to break into computer systems, whether they are local bulletin
boards, commercial computer systems or government computer systems should not
be condoned.  The fact that first ammendment rights may not have been accorded
to those involved in such activities clouds the issue and leads the general
population to think that the organizations supporting the accused in these two
cases is a radical group, rather than one trying to improve the whole lot of
those who are involved in computer communications.

It is appalling that the "government" can seize computer equipment and software
at the mere suspicion of criminal intent; just as it is appalling at the number
of mistaken break-ins into homes of suspected drug dealers, but we should not
over react to these two cases, just as we should not over react to the
break-ins.  Rather, we should concentrate on improving the legal system that
authorizes such moves to be sure that adequate cause exists to seize property
prior to its taking place.

If it proves out in court that the two cases involved were indeed criminally
conceived, then I support in retroaction the seizures that took place; in
effect they stopped that criminal activity.  If, however, the charges are
proven wrong, then a closer look at the process that led up to those actions
is required.

I would have felt better if the early actions of these new organizations were
legislatively involved rather than concentrating on these two specific
criminal cases.

[Standing by for flames, but hoping for intellegent discussion....]
______________________________________________________________________________
Mike Ungerman                      |Proline:mikeu@pro-magic
Pro-Magic BBS: 407-366-0156        |uucp:crash!pnet01!pro-magic!mikeu
300/1200/2400/9600 Baud 24hrs      |arpa:crash!pnet01!pro-magic!mikeu@nosc.mil
Apple Tree of Central Florida, Inc |Internet:mikeu@pro-magic.cts.com
Orlando, Florida|Voice:407-366-0060|Compuserve:71326,31 Prodigy: JSNP58A
______________________________________________________________________________
Mike Ungerman                      |Proline:mikeu@pro-magic
Pro-Magic BBS: 407-366-0156        |uucp:crash!pnet01!pro-magic!mikeu
300/1200/2400/9600 Baud 24hrs      |arpa:crash!pnet01!pro-magic!mikeu@nosc.mil
Apple Tree of Central Florida, Inc |Internet:mikeu@pro-magic.cts.com
Orlando, Florida|Voice:407-366-0060|Compuserve:71326,31 Prodigy: JSNP58A