Well, in the judge's defense, note that he used the word "perhaps" above. I like this judge, which (obviously) isn't something I can say about too many judges...I think he was just trying to sharpen our thoughts and arguments, and that he DOES agree with us on many, many things. His fears about the misuse of anonymity in a police state, for example, come from his personal experience in a former socialist paradise. I think (hope) that being exposed to "cypherpunk issues" by as many good thinkers as he was, in a relaxed, non-courtroom setting, has broadened his understanding of the many issues involved and will help "our" side immensely if these same issues ever do come before him.
Jim, Thank you for doing this. I went to Law School to bring a viewpoint to the bench that was never there. I do so whenever I can. What you are doing is a very important part of moving this country forward. I understand the people who [RANT] about the problems we face, but when people like you hold a civil discourse with officials we overcome the label of extremists.
I have decided, however, to cease my very enjoyable conversation with him about these issues, from now until after Judge Patel's Bernstein case has been decided and appealed, because of this very possibility. I am already concerned that an ambitious U.S. Attorney, using Alta Vista, could attempt to argue that "cypherpunk terrorists have been secretly trying to subtly influence Kozinski's thinking, and that therefore he should be removed from the case in favor of some judge who has no clue whatsoever about the 'Net, encryption, anonymous remailers, etc." [I am sure the argument wouldn't be put quite that way <g> but that's what the U.S. Attorney would mean.] There is now a judge with some idea of these issues who will IMNSHO probably be fair to "our" side. It is a rare opportunity, and I don't want to "blow it."
Once again, thank you for all you are doing.
JMR
Please note new 2000bit PGPkey & new address <jmr@shopmiami.com> This key will be valid through election day 2000. PGP id.A7D63DA9 98 1F 39 BA 93 86 B4 F5 57 52 64 0E DA BA 2C 71 Please avoid using old 1024bit PGPkey E9BD6D35 anymore. Thanks.
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