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My todo list
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While I've written up a couple a few issues, there are quite a few on
my TODO list, which, almost inevitably, continues to have items added
faster than items are removed...
So here is my current todo list:
- Separation of Church and State (particularly the so-called 'Faith-based Initiative') (added 2007/06/27)
- Seatbelt laws, or "Who 0wnZ your body" (added 2002/09/28)
- Scientology (added 2002/09/28)
- Windows in general (added 2001/12/18)
- Microsoft (added 2001/12/18)
- The draft, in general
- DoJ involvement in case: DeCSS vs MPAA
- Bush against pro-choice in 3rd world
- Software Patents
- Copyright on software
- Copyright in general
- Gov't purchase of personal data
- Gov't sale of personal data
- Draft registration
- The draft, in general
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Santa Claus
( Posted on 2004/01/05 )
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Some time ago, perhaps early 2003 year, I was thinking about
the Santa Claus myth. I realized that I don't believe it
is a good idea to be lying to our children. I really
don't believe there is any benefit to having our
children believe in a mythic Santa that climbs down chimneys,
and delivers presents to the good boys and girls.
Rather recently (2005/03/23), I came across a good way
of dealing with it, which isn't completely honest, but
will reduce a lot of friction... Rather than say that "Santa
doesn't exist", we say "We don't believe in Santa."
While I'd personally rather our society gives up the lie
(but not the holiday, or intent), at least this is a
socially easier position...
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Male & Female Genital Mutilation
( Posted on 2002/10/02 )
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Yesterday I went to the
Vagina Monologues, which I recommend highly. But they brought
up the issue of female genital mutilation
(For instance...). Now,
I'd read about this practice before, in some of my reading of
The Journal of Psychohistory,
which is very big on child abuse, and especially ritualized abuse.
I was personally rather disturbed by it in my first reading, and
again hearing it spoken in a larger context... Related to this,
many months back, I started thinking about circumcision, which is
effectively ritualized male genital mutilation. I decided that
any male children I have will definitely NOT be circumcised.
So, this morning I awoke, thinking about all this again, and how
horrible it is. I spent some time before work looking for some
organizations dedicated to stopping this practice. I still need
to do more, but for this topic, suffice it to say that there is
no benefit and lots of damage it causes, and I believe it should
be stopped, preferrably through education of those who currently
practice it and support for those who are attempting to escape
the cycle.
One last thing. I don't have a problem with personal mutilation,
per se, although in some cases, there may be related issues. I
also don't have a problem with voluntary circumcision of any
sort. If a person chooses it freely, it is certainly their decision,
but I don't agree with the rituals of circumcision practiced
regularly on males in infancy in our society...
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Millitary Tribunals
( Posted on 2001/11/16 )
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I have some extra things to say about these and a way they may be
useful tools in the cause of justice, but I still stand by the
fears that I speak about in this letter to my congressmen. In this
case, only the last two (and perhaps some of the prior) paragraphs
are actually mine. The rest is taken from the ACLU.
It isn't quite as well written as some of my other rants. But it
is presented for your edification
and, perhaps, amusement.
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Copyright
( Posted on 2001/03/19 )
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Every few years, since the early 1900's the US Congress has extended the
length of time a copyright on some content can be held. This has allowed
several GENERATIONS of individuals, those who are heirs to an author, to
reap a reward they had nothing to do with. In addition, many works are
lost, or very nearly lost, since the curent 'holders' have lost
interest, or forgotten that they held the copyright.
I believe that copyright is important, but that it be temporary. And I mean
REALLY temporary, not just "for a limited time" temporary that will outlive
us all. (Current copyright is life of the author + 70 years, or 95 years for
corporate works).
A good link to some more information:
http://www.public.asu.edu/~dkarjala
I intend to write more on this at some point.
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Zero Population Growth
( Posted on 2000/03/28 )
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Although I didn't finish this rant, I thought it started pretty
well, so here it is.
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Flag Desecration Amendment
( Posted on 2000/03/23 )
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For those that don't know, ever since the Supreme Court struck down laws
forbiding the burning or general "desecration" of the US flag, some people
have been pushing Congress to amend the first amendment, making a specific
exception to Free Speech regarding the flag.
That really bugs me, but here is a letter
I wrote to my Senators regarding an upcoming vote. (The vote is supposed
to happen 2000/03/27, it already passed the House.)
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