Oh No! Nazis on the Nets
An interesting article in the London Daily Telegraph (today's?): (Keyboarding by my daughter Tiia) Neo-Nazis Salute Computer Technology Computer technology is transforming Germany's disparate neo-Nazi scene into a unified movement by granting instant access to a central information system co-ordinating demonstrations and disseminating propaganda, according to a senior intelligence official. Herr Ernst Uhrlau, head of Hamburg's office for the protection of the constitution, said: "German's RIght wing is taking up the character of a movement. Until now, we have only seen this in the Left wing, but the various Righ-wing groups, who all yearn for hierarchy and leadership, are using modern communications systems such as computers, mail boxes and information telephones to co-ordinate their activities." Herr Uhrlau, whose office gathers intelligence on activities likely to undermine state security, said that it was only by using mobile communications networks that the Right wing was able to hold illegal rallies in 1992 and 1993 on the anniversary of the death of Rudolf Hess, Hitler's deputy. He was also concerned about the infiltration of univeristy student fraternities by Right-wing ideologues who were spreading their views through notice boards, pamphlets, and newspapers. The chief co-ordinators of German's Right-wing movement work through a national computer network named "Thule", after the small elite 1920s movement which preceded the Nazi party. It consists of at least 12 "mailbox" computer lines linked to a national network on which individuals can exchange messages and receive information. The system is designed to be accessed only by bona fide political sympathisers. To join the inner circle, you much leave your name, telephone number and address, according to the monthly computer magazine Chip, which has pentrated the Thule network. Only if you pass a loyalty test while being questioned on the phone will you be given the full access codes. Chip belives that 1,500 of Germany's 42,000 Righ-wing extremists use the Thule network which, apart from co-ordinating demonstrations, gives out information on such matters as how to start your own newspapers or make a bomb [Both equally illegal activities in the BRD -- Editor's note]. Police have so far found it impossible to discover who is running any of the notice boards, since much of the information is only available for a brief period and suppliers use pseudonyms. Thule also provides an international link. Of particular concern to the authorities are connections with Gary Lauck, self-proclaimed head of America's neo-Nazis, whose organisation in Nebraska is believed to be behind the mailing of a computer disk called "Endsieg" (Final Victory) which contains bomb-making instructions. **************** DCF Fascism - A totalitarian political philosophy based on government control of the economy via regulation a variation of socialism which usually emphasizes government control of the economy by direct ownership of economic institutions. "Johnny. Can you use 'fascism' and 'socialism' in a sentence." "Bill Klinton is a 'fascist'; Heillary Klinton is a socialist." "Very good, Johnny." --- WinQwk 2.0b#1165
Duncan Frissell sez:
Of particular concern to the authorities are connections with Gary Lauck, self-proclaimed head of America's neo-Nazis, whose organisation in Nebraska is believed to be behind the mailing of a computer disk called "Endsieg" (Final Victory) which contains bomb-making instructions.
It is just this kind of thing that does in fact give me big qualms when considering the enormous consequences of unleashing inexpensive, easy to use, hard voice crypto that is accessible to anyone. I'm not really being a devil's advocate, I'm just sincerely concerned. Sure, this guy may have a nonsense plan or a workable one or perhaps none at all but... It could be the Pandora's box awaiting the opening that the cold war years never quite showed the balls to attempt. In this unstable and angry world with people obviously standing ready to do *anything* they can to get their way, is it appropriate to help them accomplish their deadly and reckless methods? I dunno, but when you feel you hold the key to this in your head and respected people think so too it really make you *stop* and think. On the other hand it is inevitable so why be personally concerned. Peace and Love, Bob -- Bob Cain rcain@netcom.com 408-354-8021 "I used to be different. But now I'm the same." --------------PGP 1.0 or 2.0 public key available on request.------------------
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Duncan Frissell -
rcain@netcom.com