Screwing Jim Bell and Cypherpunks

[Eric Cordian]

Tim May Wrote:

>> I think the Bell case indicates the need for Cypherpunks to start
>> writing code again, and stop engaging in meatspace theatrics.

> First, Bell's actions are not the actions of most members of this 
> mailing list. Frankly, this is a logical error: referring to 
> "Cypherpunks" as a collective entity and then imputing the views or 
> actions of a few to be the views or actions of the collective entity. 
> The government does this routinely.

Well, I never use "Cypherpunks" to mean anything other than "those
presently subscribed to the list."  It's just shorter to type.

It's much like saying that some.newsgroup needs to stop gratuitous
crossposting.  It is not implied by that statement that some.newsgroup is
a collective entity defined by anything more than readership, or that
everyone in some.newsgroup is engaging in the problematical behavior.

> Second, talk to Phil Z. and Kelly G. about their legal issues for 
> several years, as the government sought to prosecute one or both of 
> them for violations of the ITARs (and maybe more). True, neither was 
> ultimately charged. Their legal bills were substantial, however, and 
> they could have face prison time and massive fines.

> Whatever people do in the way of writing code, doing it as near to 
> untraceably as possible would seem to be the way to go.

Fine, change the motto to "Cypherpunks anonymously write code."

-- 
Eric Michael Cordian 0+
O:.T:.O:. Mathematical Munitions Division
"Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Whole Of The Law"