August 1993 - cypherpunks-legacy

Re: Electronic Democracy
by nobody＠pmantis.berkeley.edu 16 Aug '93

16 Aug '93

> From: wcs(a)anchor.ho.att.com (Bill_Stewart(HOY002)1305) > > An anonymous personage writes > > More succinctly, "Democracy is four wolves and a sheep voting on lunch." > > Up the republic! > > Yeah, though representative government is four wolves voting on _which_ sheep > to have for lunch. Actually, elections are more like four sheep voting on which wolf they want to be eaten by. .snail

2 1

A Follow-up
by Cindy Vanous 16 Aug '93

16 Aug '93

To the lady or chap who arbitrates this mailing list: I am sending along a message which I would like to have forwarded to your mailing list. A colleague of mine found my name mentioned somewhat out of context in a letter posted to your list, and I would like a chance to address the issues mentioned therein. Let me start out by saying that I do fully support the perpetuation of encryption and anonymous posting; however, there are some circumstances in which it is neither appropriate nor desirable. My situation represents one of these circumstances. Let me explain: There are certain transactions which the IRS has allowed to be non-taxable. For example, in Washington state, as in several other states, non-luxury food items are tax-exempt. Another tax-exempt transaction is barter. Barter is one of the mainstays of struggling small-farm owners, a method of support between startup businesses, and an excellent way to obtain needed goods and services without the exchange of money, which might not always be available. In my case, I am a startup business owner with limited funds and a need for better software than I currently possess. Therefore, I post to the Internet that I am willing to trade my services for an equivalent value in software. Therefore, I get my copy of Word or PageMaker, and some other cash-low company receives a professional business form or other graphic design project. All perfectly legal, all tax-exempt, according to the IRS' own laws. This is not tax evasion, merely good business sense. This brings me to the following conclusion: even if anonymous posting was available to me (which it very well might be; I haven't pursued information about it), I would have no need or desire to use it. My clients are not interested in playing some sort of spy game, they are interested in making a business arrangement with me. They would very likely not be willing to trust me if I was merely a phantom name from a nonexistant site. Finally, I would like to point out that there is currently a movement on the Internet, pushing for the greater utilization and availability of barter. The IRS left a loophole in their rules, it is up to us to take advantage of it. For more information on barter through the Internet, subscribe to the Fringeware mailing list at the following address: fringeware-request(a)wixer.bga.com Thank you for your time and bandwidth, - Cindy L Vanous --------------- * cyphrkt(a)eskimo.com * --------------- Cindy Vanous, the Cypherkat, graphic artist at large ------------------------------------------------------ Disclaimer: even though I work for myself, my opinions STILL don't seem to be the opinions of my employer.

1 0

Mail problems
by gtoal＠an-teallach.com 16 Aug '93

16 Aug '93

In article <9308121657.AA20346(a)toad.com> gnu(a)toad.com writes: > My proposal is that we get some software working that produces poor > quality speech in realtime on fast hardware that most people don't > have. Then, improved search algorithms will bring higher quality.* > The natural evolution of faster hardware will make it available to all. It exists. It's called 'nevot'. The improved faster compression algorithm is also on the way very shortly (the one by ajr that I mentioned the other day); with 4000byte/sec samples and 8:3 compression, it fits in 14.4kb with enough to spare for packet encapsulation. G === Personal mail to gtoal(a)gtoal.com (I read it in the evenings) Business mail to gtoal(a)an-teallach.com (Be careful with the spelling!) Faxes to An Teallach Limited: +44 31 662 4678 Voice: +44 31 668 1550 x212

1 0

Remailer bug...
by wmo＠rebma.rebma.mn.org 16 Aug '93

16 Aug '93

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- I just noticed a potential problem with the current Cypherpunks remailers. If someone uses the -m option when they encrypt for the remailer, the pgp session will hang, waiting for input to the "For your eyes only. Display now? (Y/n)?" message. (Yeah, if you're wondering, someone did this to the remailer on Rebma.) - -Bill -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: 2.3 iQCVAgUBLG8mLRiQVHeOVJ+HAQEqaQP/YFFiNpR9qsZ39sTNccAsxeYegeuTEh1+ 0Xf/B2XylQtyNnJ0PQnJ5FQdQa79DTNoI2pwbh4N1pVDYPAF5KkZiXf9m5MLhhbi UqXrFGiaGRTLI1JcssgvqvvodM+9EtrDf5eBw/M3k/iEnYEjKiIPkSx4DCLCuGId exjqwL6lgqM= =aHty -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

1 0

Re: e-voting
by plmoses＠unix.cc.emory.edu 16 Aug '93

16 Aug '93

instead of promoting another "magic bullet" (ie electronic democracy), why dont we just take a stand against the tide of ignorance and violence that has engulfed us? new technology handed down from on high will serve only to amplify the underlying instabilities unless these are addressed first. or at least simultaneously. of course there are short term profit opportunities in innovation, fortunes to be made. but then again no one is safe from the growing instability. just ask Michael Jordan no matter how much money u have ur still in the same boat with everyone else

1 0

Re: encrypting virus (KOH)
by Karl Barrus 16 Aug '93

16 Aug '93

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Since this doesn't have much to do with encryption or cypherpunks per se, I am hesitant to respond. Interested people may obtain the software from me. Perhaps I should have doctored the text included with the program I received and termed it an automatic encryption program, which encrypts your hard drive and floppies with your permission. We would possibly be spared some of the fears of viruses. 1) the program asks for permission before performing any action > I'd be rather perturbed (especially since I use a Mac :-), since the > question would probably be completely outside of the context of what I > was trying to do (eg. run a GIF viewer, checkbook balancer, compiler, > whatever), and would not provide sufficient notification of potential > ramifications from answering in either the negative or the affirmative. 2) perhaps the program should include the standard disclaimer that ALL SOFTWARE INCLUDING COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE includes, usually in the beginning of the documentation, or on a separate card. You know, the one that says essentially that the the authors are not omniscient, cannot predict all circumstances the software shall be used under, and thus disclaim any damages. This warning is included in all the commercial software I own. Actually, the disclaimers simply say that you use the software at your own risk, damages are disclaimed. I have yet to see software which attempts to explain all potential ramifications of its use. I very much doubt I would be using software at all if I were to wait for such packages to appear. > Now, if a smart compressor/encryptor wrote itself along with the files > it was treating, and then wrote a nice README file which explained that > files on the floppy were compressed/encrypted, would be automatically > decompressed/decrypted, and that the treatment could, if you wished, be > performed on your hard drives and/or other floppies by making a backup > and then executing the following command, that would be perfectly fine. 3) the program does not do this, much like Stacker does not create README files which explain that your disks are now compressed. This is left to the documentation that comes with the program, some appearing in a booklet, some as a text file (this practice occurs in every single commercial package I own) Now, I realize that since the author chose to call his program the "potassium hydroxide virus" that alarm bells sound. Maybe he should have posted the source to this list, describing it as a CryptoStacker program, which after installation encrypts floppy disks after prompting. Why, the whole thing would be so much better if MSDOS could run background processes - he could have written it to work like a unix daemon. As I said before, I posted this since I know some people are working on a similar program and may be interested in one which purports to do all this. Interested people may obtain the program, hex debug, and read.me file from me. I don't have the source code but maybe I can contact the author and ask for it. I don't have the tools or expertise in assembly to do the disassembly myself. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: 2.3a iQCVAgUBLG8N8IOA7OpLWtYzAQFk5AP/TDib1SwkADkfk1D/WDwIk4gwpYLOIax/ sZ6WqrwDIl+Wpu9cO6sfIpxlO5iOqLVGhHeGxYfgaIKKr+IrS3x/t9HwWOV3vo7F 8zu5gPObI3J8yJ7C1xAgyKZ3kJ0ZfCX3fMYEK/zUt47W61qbfAp6QqGoo1jlE4D4 4HDp8uF3wzg= =BDLa -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

1 0

CPSR Oct. 16 Meeting Announcement
by L. Detweiler 16 Aug '93

16 Aug '93

Items of interest to (some) cpunks: - (ahem) COMPUTERS AND DEMOCRACY - Nat'l Info Infrastructure policy - Public access to Internet & major networks - local municipal and community network development - - - ************************************************************************ COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ANNUAL MEETING October 16 - 17, 1993 University of Washington, South Campus Center Seattle, Washington, USA Envisioning the Future: A National Forum on the National Information Infrastructure and Community Access Co-sponsored by the American Society for Information Science Pacific Northwest Chapter (ASIS-PNC) ************************************************************************ Saturday, October 16th 8:00 - 9:00 Registration/Coffee & Tea 9:00 - 9:15 Welcome to the CPSR Annual Meeting - Aki Namioka 9:15 - 10:15 Keynote Address - Bruce McConnell, Office of Management and Budget "Shaping National Information Infrastructure Policy" Bruce McConnell, Chief of Information Policy at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), will present his views on the major NII issues now facing the administration. He has been with OMB since 1985 and became head of Information Policy in 1992. He now chairs the inter-agency task force responsible for developing federal information policy for the Information Infrastructure Task Force. 10:15 - 10:45 Break 10:45 - 12:15 Panel Discussion - Moderated by Eric Roberts "Public Access to Internetworks" Public access to the Internet (and other major networks) is a critical issue in any discussion about an "electronic highway". Panelists representing a wide variety of perspectives, including representatives from the Pacific Northwest, will present their views. Panelists: Phil Bereano Craig Buthod, Deputy City Librarian and Chief Operating Officer, Seattle Public Library Kenneth Kay, Computer Science Policy Program Laura Breeden, FARnet 12:15 - 1:45 Lunch break 1:45 - 3:00 Panel Discussion - Moderated by Andrew Gordon "Municipal Information Infrastructure" City and other government agencies are exploring possibilities for developing municipal networks. In this panel a city official as well as a representative from the state regulatory agency and a representative of commercial interests will offer their insights and interests. Panelists: Joe Hommel - Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Jane Noland - Seattle City Council 3:00 - 4:30 Panel Discussion - Moderated by Douglas Schuler "Networking in the Community" Community networks exist and are being developed all over the U.S. Panelists from various community networks will present their perspectives on the state of community networking now and in the future. Panelists: Tom Grundner, National Public Telecomputing Network Parker Lindner, New Media Matters Evelyn Pine, CPSR/Berkeley member and former Executive Director of the Community Memory Project Roy Sahali, CLAMDYP (Computing Literacy and Access Making a Difference for Youth Projects) 4:30 - 4:45 Break 4:45 - 6:15 Panel Discussion - Moderated by Marc Rotenberg "Computers and Democracy - What's the Connection?" What aspects of democracy might be improved with computers? Which ones probably wouldn't. This is a concept that is in the public eye, and an idea that will probably be tested soon. What can be done to promote wise uses of computers in this critical area? Panelists: Jeff Chester, Center for Media Education Jamie Love, Taxpayers Assets Project Leah Lievrouw, Department of Telecommunication and Film, University of Alabama 6:15 - 6:30 Closing Remarks - Jeff Johnson ************************************************************************ 7:00 - 7:30 No host bar at banquet site 7:30 CPSR Banquet - Fundraiser (Vegetarian food will be available) + Presentation of the 1993 Norbert Wiener Award to The Institute for Global Communications (IGC) Presenter: Eric Roberts The CPSR Board of Directors unamiously award the 1993 Wiener Award to IGC to recognize the work the organization has done to use network technology to empower previously disenfranchised individuals and groups working for progressive change. Geoff Sears, IGC's Executive Director, will be present to accept the award. + Banquet Address and Interactive Event - Kit Galloway, Electronic Cafe International Kit Galloway of Electronic Cafe International in Santa Monica, California will present his innovative approach to electronic communication using phone lines, slow-scan television, and other technology. Using videotapes and a live demonstration with CPSR chapters in Los Angeles and other locations, Kit will discus how the Electronic Cafe concept has been used in a variety of settings. Electronic Cafe International has staged global events with poets, children, and communities in France, Nicaragua, Japan, as well as a variety of American cities. Be sure to attend the banquet and participate in this provocative encounter with multimedia community networks !! ************************************************************************ Sunday, October 17th (preliminary schedule) 8:30 - 9:30 Coffee & Tea 9:30 - 11:30 Workshop sessions I 11:30 - 1:00 Lunch break 1:00 - 3:00 Workshop sessions II 3:00 - 3:30 Break 3:30 - 5:00 CPSR NII vision document discussion - Moderated by Todd Newman 5:00 - 5:30 Closing Remarks - CPSR NII program future - Marc Rotenberg ************************************************************************ ABOUT CPSR Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility stands alone as the only national, non-partisan, public-interest organization dedicated to understanding and directing the impact of computers on society. Decisions regarding the use of this technology have far-reaching consequences that necessarily reflect the basic values and priorities of the people who govern their use. Founded in 1981, CPSR has 2000 members from all over the world and 22 chapters across the country. Each of our members is an important participant in the dialogue that is helping to shape the future use of computers in the United States. Our National Advisory Board includes one Nobel laureate and three winners of the Turing Award, the highest honor in computer science. We believe that as the influence of computers continues to permeate every aspect of our society, it is important that professionals become active participants in formulating the policy that governs computer use and access. CPSR welcomes any and all who share our convictions. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Registration Form Please pre-register by September 24 to guarantee seating. Registrations at the door will be accepted pending space. Name _________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________ City _______________________________ State _____________ Zip _________ Telephone __________________________ E-mail_____________________________ CPSR member $55 _______ Non member $75 _______ 1 year CPSR membership & registration $100 _______ Low income/student $25 _______ Banquet ticket $40 X ___ = _______ Additional donation to further CPSR's work _______ Total enclosed _______ For more information contact CPSR, 415-322-3778, draper(a)csli.stanford.edu, or Aki Namioka, 206-865-3249, aki(a)cpsr.org. Send completed registration form with check to: CPSR, P.O. Box 717, Palo Alto, CA 94301 - -- David Friedlander df(a)iochom.com voice 212-942-1156 fax 212-569-8680 ------- End of Forwarded Message

1 0

cyberspace & cybercycles donations!
by L. Detweiler 16 Aug '93

16 Aug '93

From: an12070(a)anon.penet.fi >* it is extremely difficult find sites willing to donate computer >cycles, space, and management despite that it is rather abundant in the >world. virtually every cypherpunk idea requires some cycles & space >somewhere. [...] > ideally a list of volunteering sites could be created and >individual cypherpunks could contact the sites independently. Hey, I think this is a great idea. The only problem is that the list would probably be empty =) I personally have many pet projects that might see the light of day if they could find the inside of a computer on the internet. I volunteer to maintain this list. If anyone would like to donate cycles or space for pet cypherpunk projects such as digital cash, anonymity servers, archives, etc. please send me your name and availability and I'll stick it in the list. Unfortunately, the people most likely to be in charge of these resources are coincidentally the most paranoid about restricting them and least likely to hear this--and once they hear the word `cypherpunk' their mind will slam shut in a nanosecond. We may be able to get more `outside support' if such a list was posted into Usenet. In fact, if the list kept track of all the current projects and the status, it might really encourage volunteers out there in the world. Maybe the problem is that the list is just too high noise for important people to pay attention, but that a summary like this might get results. ltr.

1 0

Re: encrypting virus (KOH)
by Karl Barrus 16 Aug '93

16 Aug '93

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Well, perhaps any discussion of viruses tends to cause feelings to run high, so perhaps the author of potassium hydroxide shouldn't have termed his program a virus. I don't see any difference between Stacker 3.0 and its stacked disk option that compresses files on a floppy and inserts a small decompression routine there as well, and the encrypting "program" I posted information on. Well, besides the fact the Stacker compresses and potassium hydroxide encrypts. > Anything a virus could beneficially do, a legitimate, > non-replicating program can do better. Well, if I were more proficient in assembly I might code an encrypting Stacker program. Perhaps you will take the public domain code, disassemble it and improve it, elevating it from "virus" status. > Also, every virus harbors the potential for damage. No programmer > (read: virus author) can possibly know each and every environment > where the code will be introduced. Yes, this may be true, and applied to every program ever written, not just "viruses". Not to insult anybody, but if memory serves PGP had a bug which destroyed files on hard drives.... why, even Microsoft's CHKDSK program had a bug which could destroy a hard drive. Modern software is complex and configurations uncountable. Now I do not advocate spreading viruses and damaging computer systems, but to imply the only viruses harbor potential for damage is surely ridiculous. I posted this because the purpose of the "virus" is to automatically encrypt files, a goal that I understand some people on this list are working on. If anybody is interested in a copy, I can send it. A disassembly would be instructive, and would allow people to fine tune the program, improve it, incorporate it into other projects, etc. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: 2.3a iQCVAgUBLG67HYOA7OpLWtYzAQF5IAP/VFEqemlG8ntyyqikQie1eFR+61D2JX8k 3k5oc5pU2LdYqFPKDFyNQ/Rn/Sw9LAB2+NFfc4X1J1+nWcGTPxZ1Njb5n9tYrC8D WQUMD6O8NxgKQhfJMsBJQqmbrXKcCnLOfAYyzDlrEszmKzg3xp0uqRqvsh2rHyIb YDK6HYk3B08= =f6WE -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

2 1

`Stalled' Progress
by an12070＠anon.penet.fi 16 Aug '93

16 Aug '93

we've accomplished a great deal as cypherpunks so far, but major obstacles are in place of our ambitious goals. here are some critical factors: * it is extremely difficult find sites willing to donate computer cycles, space, and management despite that it is rather abundant in the world. virtually every cypherpunk idea requires some cycles & space somewhere. building up all these things on student accounts is commendable but a foundation of quicksand in the long run. rumor has it even soda.berkeley.edu ftp site (perhaps the most critical cypherpunk element other than the mailing list) is being run off a student account. ideally a list of volunteering sites could be created and individual cypherpunks could contact the sites independently. * the internet itself is very hostile in general to most cypherpunk ideas, including digital cash, anonymous remailing, etc. because of nonuniform policies and general resentment and taboos on anything commercial. to some degree only prototypes can be created in this atmosphere, but even prototypes of our most critical ideas are lacking. great attention should be placed on identifying and cultivating emerging networks where commercialism is officially sanctioned and encouraged. * the `i thought you were doing that' factor. with no organization and coordination, the effort and energy of the group is needlessly dissipated and tragically wasted. in fact, many cypherpunks have philosophies that are exceedingly antagonistic toward and distrustful of any oversight or coordination, and frequently assume that others are making progress in some area when in fact no one is. * to a large degree, despite the commandment `cypherpunks write code', the `cypherpunks' have always gained their cohesion more from political ideology than implementing tangible systems. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- To find out more about the anon service, send mail to help(a)anon.penet.fi. Due to the double-blind, any mail replies to this message will be anonymized, and an anonymous id will be allocated automatically. You have been warned. Please report any problems, inappropriate use etc. to admin(a)anon.penet.fi.

1 0