Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!pacbell.com!lll-winken!telecom-request From: john@mojave.ati.com (John Higdon) Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Re: Speaking in Defense of ThriftyTel Message-ID: Date: 25 Jun 91 18:17:42 GMT Sender: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu Organization: TELECOM Digest Lines: 37 Approved: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 490, Message 5 of 9 "John G. DeArmond" writes: > john@mojave.ati.com (John Higdon) writes: >> In a five-day period, Thrifty Tel whisked a "Hacker Tariff" through >> the CPUC without comment, showing, documentation, or any justification >> WHATSOEVER. > I consider that tariff a stroke of genius. I think that is the way to > handle most similiar problems. A little consistency, please. I just read an article of yours decrying AOS and sleazy practices that came from lack of regulatory attention. Now you seem to advocate that any sleazebag reseller should be able to, without justification or documentation such as that required of all legitimate telcos, make up any fantasy charges it wants and then use that fantasy in a court of law to "prove" damages. Your attitude of justice seems somewhat whimsical. > If you don't do the hack, you don't catch the flak :-) No, make that Neandrathal. How about forty years for petty theft? Hey, man, if you don't do the crime then you won't do the time, right? John Higdon (hiding out in the desert) [Moderator's Note: While it is true Thrifty Tel's tactics are extreme, and of questionable legality by USA standards, we should note that in countries with 'neandrathal' schedules of punishment (i.e. Saudi Arabia, where public floggings, beheadings, and amputation of body parts appropriate to the crime committed -- shoplifting, sexual assault, etc -- are routine events), the crime rate is *extremely* low. If Thrifty Tel doesn't break Some People of their Bad Habits, I don't know what will. PAT]