Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk
Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!think.com!ames!mindcraft.com!karish
From: karish@mindcraft.com (Chuck Karish)
Subject: Re: EFF and CPSR don't have the same purpose.
Message-ID: <670436200.16149@mindcraft.com>
Organization: Mindcraft, Inc.
References: <1991Mar19.213148.14254@vpnet.chi.il.us> <669491914.4141@mindcraft.com> <7846@hsv3.UUCP> <1396@gargoyle.uchicago.edu> <7858@hsv3.UUCP> <1991Mar27.221957.13253@fxgrp.fx.com> <19128@rpp386.cactus.org>
Date: Sun, 31 Mar 91 16:16:39 GMT

In article <19128@rpp386.cactus.org> jfh@rpp386.cactus.org
(John F Haugh II) writes:
>In article <1991Mar27.221957.13253@fxgrp.fx.com> raphael@fx.com (Glen Raphael) writes:
>>                                         Pointing out flaws in proposed
>>SDI systems and coming up with alternatives was an important thing for
>>*somebody* to do, and for a while it was perhaps the most important
>>thing that CPSR, and PSR (Physicians for Social Responsibility), did.
>
>The problem with "socially responsible" organizations is that they have
>a tendency towards liberal political agendas and often have few qualms with
>making up outrageous lies to validate their points.

Cite a few "outrageous lies" made up by CPSR, please.

>The problem as I see it is that the public is technologically illiterate.

All the more reason for non-illiterate members of voluntary
organizations to offer their expertise.  People with organizational
affiliations are better able than individuals to have their views
heard.

>In the case of plutonium, everyone gets rabid at the word "radiation".  If
>they knew that PC's emit "radiation" in various forms and at various
>frequencies, they'd probably demand the government do something about it.
>It isn't widely known, for example, that high resolution color monitors
>generate small amounts of X-rays because by the higher voltages.  It
>isn't some great health hazard - but it still exists.

Many of those high-resolution color monitors are quite well shielded
because their manufacturers, some users, some pressure groups
(including CPSR), and some regulatory agencies are aware of this fact.
There is a minor health hazard and the fix (shielding) is relatively
inexpensive.

>So you expect me to believe that "Computer Professionals for Social
>Responsibility" is behaving scientifically and responsibly?  Fat chance.

How about offering a critique based on what CPSR actually is and
what its members do, John, instead of a flame based on your
prejudices against its name?

So far we've seen the red paintbrush and guilt-by-association applied
to CPSR.  How long before we hear that it's a Commie-Jewish
conspiracy, and a threat to the American Way of Life?  (oops, maybe I'd
better catch up in this group before I ask this one ...)

	Chuck Karish		karish@mindcraft.com
	Mindcraft, Inc.		(415) 323-9000