Date: Fri, 10 Sep 93 19:40:37 -0500 From: ferguson@fiber.sprintlink.net (Paul Ferguson x2044) Message-Id: <9309110040.AA09675@fiber.sprintlink.net> Subject: Digital warfare
So, if you see folks using BlackNet for advertising Intel chips....
That's an interesting point (images of "Wild Palms" conjured). This _is_ the wave of the future, as Tim implies, and it's unfortunate that instances such as this (segway) tarnishes what it is that I think many of us are trying to espouse in the cypherpunk movement.
ferguson@icp.net | Privacy -- Use it or lose it.
I have heard cypherpunks described as two groups under one label: 1. those of us who advocate privacy in private hands 2. those who advocate anarchy I'm in the privacy camp and worry that enough talk from the anarchists will cause the privacy to be attacked. I fully expect total retaliation by the governments of the world against any effective anarchy. The wilder the threats (even if they're not real), the stronger the retaliation. We could lose all privacy as a result. It's important not to give the government any excuse which would make the populace side with them against us. This is a political battle and we need the people on our side. For example, crypto-anarchic banks -- cute idea -- but if you ever want a cop to make your banker give you the money, the banker can't be anonymous and neither can you account be. ..so you have to *really* trust this banker. Maybe some people will trust such a banker enough. But, meanwhile, talk of total tax evasion by the more excited of our crypto-anarchy brethren might give the government the political ammunition it needs. In fact, if the FBI has planted agents on this list, I wouldn't be surprised to discover someday that they were among the vocal anarchists. - Carl