patrick.net

Heraclitusstudent says

I think a majority of people would agree with a simple sets of reforms regarding 2 parties duopoly, political financing, lobbying and other aspects of the current political system.

That would be nice but the people who would actually be changing the system benefit the most from the system. The amount of money involved in running for office has increased to the point where the only realistic source is large corporations and organizations (trial lawyers, public unions, etc.). The last thing they would want is any type of reform that decreases their influence on law makers. I see no way reform is possible other than a breakdown of the system.

bob2356 says

That would be nice but the people who would actually be changing the system benefit the most from the system.

It's a matter of people grouping together to do it.
Obviously you can't rely on existing groups.

bob2356 says

Remind me much time you've spent trying to make change? Running you mouth on patnet doesn't count.

Spreading good ideas is the best, and possibly only, way the typical American citizen can make a positive material change to our country. Good ideas must be discussed openly and often so that they can gain widespread support. Only then, do such ideas stand a chance of trickling up to those who actually hold power.

A good idea can go viral, and if it does, it stands a chance of becoming a movement and then a reform. But the only way that can happen is if people with good ideas run their mouths often.

There are over 300 million Americans today. Other than coming up with and spreading good ideas, there is damn little, if anything, the typical American can do to make great change.

Here's some examples of my good ideas. Spread them like herpes.

You need to do 2 things:
1 - bring people together around a clear idea that shares wide support. (let's say stop NSA spying of Americans)
2 - get people to donate, hire lobbyists and buy politicians to do it.

One could easily create an Internet start-up to do these things.

Heraclitusstudent says

What do you think countries like Germany, France, India, Brazil, Russia will do now?

Will they continue to buy Microsoft OSs, Cisco routers, Apple or Google phones and be happy to be spied on at will by the NSA?

had they been manufactured in USA or in their own country.. YES !

no need to mfg in China.

Heraclitusstudent says

No. They will spend money to develop their own NSA proof products. And then sell these products. They may well be inferior products, but when you have state and trade secrets, you do what you have to to protect them.

Like Euro tech makers such as Philips Semi, STMicroelectronics, which also had its products hacked by the Chinese Military.. These guys have already been making chips that go into American products.

The NSA isnt the problem here...

MI6 and MI5 'refuse to use Lenovo computers' over claims Chinese company makes them vulnerable to hacking

Lenovo - the largest PC producer in the world - is indirectly backed by the Chinese state

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/mi6-and-mi5-refuse-to-use-lenovo-computers-over-claims-chinese-company-makes-them-vulnerable-to-hacking-8737072.html

Britain’s intelligence agencies, including MI6 and MI5, have allegedly banned the use of computers manufactured by Chinese company Lenovo due to concerns that the machines come hardwired with a vulnerability to hacking.

Machines produced by the state-backed technology company, which is the largest PC producer in the world, are claimed to have been found in tests by MI5 and GCHQ to have modifications in their circuitry which could allow remote access to the devices without the owners’ knowledge.

The discovery has led to a written banning order being issued among the “Five Eyes” alliance of British, American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand eavesdropping agencies, including the US National Security Agency, according to the respected Australian Financial Review.

Chinese hackers 'steal blueprints for Australian spy HQ'
Hackers traced to China stole floorplans of the new A$630m base for the Australia Security Intelligence Organisation, according to ABC news

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/chinese-hackers-steal-blueprints-for-australian-spy-hq-8633757.html

hinese hackers have stolen the blueprints of a new multi-million-dollar Australian spy headquarters as part of a growing wave of cyber attacks against business and military targets in the close US ally, an Australian news report said.

The hackers also stole confidential information from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which houses the overseas spy agency the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, Australia's ABC Television said late yesterday.

The ABC report said Chinese hackers had targeted Australia-based companies more aggressively than previously thought, including steel-manufacturer Bluescope Steel, and military and civilian communications manufacturer Codan Ltd.

Heraclitusstudent says

You need to do 2 things:

1 - bring people together around a clear idea that shares wide support. (let's say stop NSA spying of Americans)

2 - get people to donate, hire lobbyists and buy politicians to do it.

Stupid idea.. how do you know the person on the internet is American citizen to begin with ? Could be a Chinese hacker, Colombian narc-smuggler, or Arab terrorists.

thomaswong.1986 says

Stupid idea.. how do you know the person on the internet is American citizen to begin with ? Could be a Chinese hacker, Colombian narc-smuggler, or Arab terrorists.

You ask for an id.

Dan8267 says

Here's some examples of my good ideas. Spread them like herpes.

That's a long list. Which is highest priority? Do the numbers indicate priority?

It seems like our #1 problem is wealth (and therefore power) concentration. Money buys politicians and therefore money buys laws.

The numbers are just used for organization, not priority.

freak80 says

It seems like our #1 problem is wealth (and therefore power) concentration.

Agreed. And no matter what you do, those with the money and power will resist. So you just have to chip away at their parasitic strongholds.

Interesting forum thread by cryptonerds about WHAT the NSA cracked.
http://www.metzdowd.com/pipermail/cryptography/2013-September/017031.html

Looks like there is a belief , based on what I can decipher (no pun intended) is that it is RSA that has been rendered insecure. Others disagree.

Another interesting piece in the same thread about what (not) to do if you end up in unsolicited possession of information:
http://www.metzdowd.com/pipermail/cryptography/2013-September/017228.html

I found the part where the guy found top secret documents in his public library that the NSA insisted be destroyed quite funny.

Update: This article says it's RC4, which is apparently behind HTTPS and most VPN.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/09/06/nsa_cryptobreaking_bullrun_analysis/

Heraclitusstudent says

No. They will spend money to develop their own NSA proof products. And then sell these products. They may well be inferior products, but when you have state and trade secrets, you do what you have to to protect them.

Bingo. The BRICS may very well develop their own OS, software, and protocols for their own security, to create their own IT power (their new prop systems will be powered by domestic knowhow, which has the added benefit of creating middle class jobs), and eventually exporting it as a safer, more secure alternative to NSA backdoor-vulnerability riddled spyware from various US Multinationals.

BTW, anybody realize the sick humor - and the real target - behind the names of the US/UK programs, both named after the respective country's Civil War battles. These programs ain't called "Falafel" or "Tafiq", they aren't targeted at foreign religious nuts, but at US targets.

thunderlips11 says

Bingo. The BRICS may very well develop their own OS, software, and protocols for their own security, to create their own IT power (their new prop systems will be powered by domestic knowhow, which has the added benefit of creating middle class jobs), and eventually exporting it as a safer, more secure alternative to NSA backdoor-vulnerability

you do realize they (BRIC) already export the such products which have been hacked by Russian and Chinese secret services at the factory level. Not even the US named mfg were aware of the changes made to their products.

So ... you rather have compromised systems from the other nations vs USA made which have NOT been compromised ?

thomaswong.1986 says

You ask for an id.

Serious ? ID to what...your social security, back accounts, drivers license..

Answer any emails from Kenya with your ID and back accounts lately...

there is a reason its called "WORLD WiDE WEB"

Dan8267 says

Here's some examples of my good ideas. Spread them like herpes.

Here's an idea: put those ideas on condoms.

thomaswong.1986 says

you do realize they (BRIC) already export the such products which have been hacked by Russian and Chinese secret services at the factory level. Not even the US named mfg were aware of the changes made to their products.

Oh, interesting. Ain't free trade grand! That's what happens when you outsource. Which subcontractor for various routers, smartphones, video cards, sound boards, etc. is adding PLA snooping stuff? They all probably are. Anything to save a buck and not hire an American no matter what the cost! But whatever corporations do is great, so long as they do what we say, and don't tell the public.

thomaswong.1986 says

So ... you rather have compromised systems from the other nations vs USA made which have NOT been compromised ?

I don't want to be spied on, period. Competition won't be foolproof, but being able to buy non-US hardware and software would throw a wrench in the MIC's plan.

Not too many NSA personnel have a second career working with Ralph Nader; but many get good jobs in finance.

I look forward to on-demand manufacturing of open source hardware that always comes "'Unlocked' and ready to Overclock". CISCO Routers, Windows (way back to '95), and iPhones are full of Government Spyware Vulnerabilities. A little competition for building a secure system might be possible, too. Competition is good! Let NSA-backdoor vulnerable technology compete with other, foreign protocols that have fewer backdoors or maybe even none at all!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NSAKEY
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Notes#Security
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=264650

Do you think China or the Russians can't exploit backdoors implemented at the NSA's request? They can analyze traffic, too, you know.

The 4th Amendment was implemented by the founding fathers for a reason. I see no compelling reason to toss it out the window.

Jesus, does nobody remember the 80s when the Basques, IRA, various "Red" groups, Libya, etc. was bombing every other disco and bus stop? Or the 60s, when bombs went off on campuses all the freakin' time? We didn't need to smash the 4th Amendment then, why now?

Because there is no Soviet Union to propagandize when the US is caught doing "bad things", and the Cold War gave us some BAD habits. In short, there is no external pressure to keep our unresponsive, regulatory captured, Saudi-Israeli Lapdog government behaving itself. The Media can't be arsed, that's for sure.

It's OK because of US exceptionalism.

thunderlips11 says

Oh, interesting. Ain't free trade grand! That's what happens when you outsource. Which subcontractor for various routers, smartphones, video cards, sound boards, etc. is adding PLA snooping stuff? They all probably are. Anything to save a buck and not hire an American no matter what the cost! But whatever corporations do is great, so long as they do what we say, and don't tell the public.

Routers, smartphones, video/audio cards.. are all semiconductor chips ..

you can thank the Japanese/Taiwanese/Korean for dumping chips below the cost of production to drive US manufacturers out of business. It wasnt to "save a buck" as you civilians like to imagine which led to overseas plants.

thunderlips11 says

thomaswong.1986 says

So ... you rather have compromised systems from the other nations vs USA made which have NOT been compromised ?

I don't want to be spied on, period. Competition won't be foolproof, but being able to buy non-US hardware and software would throw a wrench in the MIC's plan.

I dont think you understand what is US vs non US HW/SW is...

Do you have any monitoring of foreign factories where the changes to create back doors are created. talk to a chinese workers lately ?

thunderlips11 says

Do you think China or the Russians can't exploit backdoors implemented at the NSA's request? They can analyze traffic, too, you know.

whats the point when they are sabotaging our designs and creating backdoors...

fact is every nation is reviewing their IT purchases of which are made in China/Russia.

the world is better off having US made HW/SW... only fools think otherwise.

thunderlips11 says

The 4th Amendment was implemented by the founding fathers for a reason. I see no compelling reason to toss it out the window.

Jesus, does nobody remember the 80s when the Basques, IRA, various "Red" groups, Libya, etc. was bombing every other disco and bus stop? Or the 60s, when bombs went off on campuses all the freakin' time? We didn't need to smash the 4th Amendment then, why now?

what does the 4th amendment have to do with a GLOBAL world wide web ?

Our constitution does not apply to terrorist groups (IRA, basque, Libya, etc etc).
then or now...

its people lack of understanding of what the WWW is and how it works that is the problem.

thomaswong.1986 says

Do you have any monitoring of foreign factories where the changes to create back doors are created. talk to a chinese workers lately ?

You're being paranoiac about China. A lot of hardware products designed in the US are assembled in China from parts (like chips) made in Korea, Japan or elsewhere. The products are QAed as being what was designed with the components as by design and there are foreign representatives in these Chinese factories. There is simply very little opportunity to tamper with them on a scale as massive as what the NSA is doing.

In any case the problem is not with China. The problem is for country like Germany, Japan, France, Brazil, Italy, etc... Are these countries going to continue using HW/SW that they know for sure is NSA spyware? No, not for anything where security is important.

Worse US tech companies completely lost any shred of credibility. Even if they come and announce new "safe" products, no one is going to believe them.

thomaswong.1986 says

what does the 4th amendment have to do with a GLOBAL world wide web ?

Sorry, NSA spies on Americans in the US too, collects all emails and other communications and search them with no reason to do so. Even filtering messages based on content is basically the same as a search.

If you think the constitution should be disregarded whenever it's convenient for the government, then why have a constitution at all? I suggest you go live in China if you like 'benevolent' dictatorships.

Heraclitusstudent says

The products are QAed as being what was designed with the components as by design and there are foreign representatives in these Chinese factories. There is simply very little opportunity to tamper with them on a scale as massive as what the NSA is doing.

its been tampered to the extent many foreign nations will NOT be buying any equipment from China.

Heraclitusstudent says

In any case the problem is not with China. The problem is for country like Germany, Japan, France, Brazil, Italy, etc... Are these countries going to continue using HW/SW that they know for sure is NSA spyware? No, not for anything where security is important.

if you know anything about hacking then you would understand devices are "taken over" and used for hackers purposes.. none of these nations have the resources to "Snoop" out what devices have been infected and compromised.

Your PC could be infected by a "botnet" and controlled from China.. as many today are. Better to have NSA protect then exposed to thief by foreign power.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botnet#Illegal_botnets

Your acting as if the global Chinese Hacking attacks are not happening regardless how many nations have come out to protest against the attacks coming from China.

Heraclitusstudent says

Sorry, NSA spies on Americans in the US too, collects all emails and other communications and search them with no reason to do so. Even filtering messages based on content is basically the same as a search.

internet traffic is in binary code running across copper and fiber-optic wires.. can you figure out who is american and who is not from binary code below...

010000100110010100100000011100110111010101110010011001
010010000001110100011011110010000001100100011100100110
100101101110011010110010000001111001011011110111010101
110010001000000100111101110110011000010110110001110100
01101001011011100110010100101110

Heraclitusstudent says

If you think the constitution should be disregarded whenever it's convenient for the government, then why have a constitution at all? I suggest you go live in China if you like 'benevolent' dictatorships

The constitution does not cover foreigners. we can spy on them as much as we like.

Your out of touch of what is happening.. the NSA/Snowden is no more than the

distraction of Chinese move to control the GLOBAL internet and telecom activity..

and like the dumb shit you sit there worried about your rights being violated..

Report: Chinese PLA Access 80% of “World’s Communications”

Read more: http://defensetech.org/2012/07/16/report-chinese-access-80-of-worlds-communications/#ixzz2ewLuaCcv
Defense.org

China has found a backdoor to access 80 percent of the “world’s communications” to include information passed through the internet and sensitive infrastructure databases, writes a former senior security analyst for the Pentagon.

F. Michael Maloof, who now writes for WND, cites Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd and ZTE Corporation as the companies the Chinese government and People Liberation Army can use to gain access to this information via commercial networks installed by each Chinese electronic manufacturer.

“The two companies give the Chinese remote electronic “backdoor” access through the equipment they have installed in telecommunications networks in 140 countries. The Chinese companies service 45 of the world’s 50 largest telecom operators,” Maloof writes.

He goes further to say the Chinese are working to access the remaining 20 percent. Individuals and companies who communicate over their “virtual private networks” or VPNs are especially susceptible. Sources have told Maloof those networks are leaking like a “sieve” to Chinese data collectors, especially those that connect to companies based in places like Mexico.

Read more: http://defensetech.org/2012/07/16/report-chinese-access-80-of-worlds-communications/#ixzz2ewLjpCFr
Defense.org

Heraclitusstudent says

I suggest you go live in China if you like 'benevolent' dictatorships.

suggest that to Dan.. he seems to favor bashing the USA for his dictators back home.

Heraclitusstudent says

I suggest you go live in China if you like 'benevolent' dictatorships.

China is hardly benevolent. It's human rights abuse is atrocious. In fact, many of us have called on trade with China being linked to human rights, not that that's going to happen.

thomaswong.1986 says

can you figure out who is american and who is not

Which is exactly why the Fourth Amendment takes president over laws allowing spying on other nations. Not that spying on our allies is a smart thing to do. We risk losing those allies, and they are far more important than any information we could obtain by pissing them off.

thomaswong.1986 says

The constitution does not cover foreigners.

The Constitution does not "cover people". The Constitution places limitations on the legal powers of the government.

thomaswong.1986 says

China has found a backdoor to access 80 percent of the “world’s communications” to include information passed through the internet and sensitive infrastructure databases, writes a former senior security analyst for the Pentagon.

The is an obvious affect of outsourcing IT to China. I've said many times that the country that builds and maintains the information infrastructure will be the economic and political powerhouse of the 21st century.

thomaswong.1986 says

Heraclitusstudent says

I suggest you go live in China if you like 'benevolent' dictatorships.

suggest that to Dan.. he seems to favor bashing the USA for his dictators back home.

I favor bashing dictators anywhere in the world. You just bitch and moan when I bash the ones in the U.S.

thomaswong.1986 says

whats the point when they are sabotaging our designs and creating backdoors...

The US Government mandates - not optional - that US manufacturers include backdoors for law enforcement (and the NSA). I don't doubt that the Chinese are sneaking in backdoors via the subcontractor process.

So instead of just having one set of backdoors, we now have multiple backdoors installed, not just in software but also hardware, by *multiple* countries. Sounds safe and secure. Let me login to my bank account... I'm sure no Russian Hacker would ever find a way to exploit them, right?

If the NSA broke SSL, you think the Russians and Chinese haven't? The solution is more robust encryption for Americans, not less. The government should even encourage widespread encryption by Americans (they only do so for US Companies; they don't want Joe Average encrypting anything).

A bad guy encrypts something? Then have LEOs charge his ass for just about anything and produce a warrant that he turn over his passwords. If he doesn't, he sits in the slammer for contempt of court until he does. While he's in jail, he can't do anything terrorist-y, no?

thomaswong.1986 says

the NSA/Snowden is no more than the

distraction of Chinese move to control the GLOBAL internet and telecom activity..

Yep, and it's mighty odd the US isn't insisting it's chief collab--- er, ally - not turn over it's basic internet infrastructure to a PLA-founded corporation.

thomaswong.1986 says

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd

You realize that GCHQ, which wants to spy (and does) on every British Citizen, just gave Huawei THE contract to administer the most important UK internet infrastructure, right?

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/09/13/huawei_sanqi_li_says_no_national_security_threat/

Sometimes Alex Jones makes sense, governments make threats about how the Chinese and the Muslims are out to get everybody, so we have to give up our right to privacy, then turn around and give important infrastructure to Chicom and Wahabi-allied businesses like Huawei and Dubai Ports World.

Of course, Jones is wrong because money, as always, is more important than security. The government appears stupid because they only harass the poor and not the rich and powerful whom it works for. We hear about how important the TSA is, Customs is handling record imports with no exponential expansions of staff over the past two decades, when imports and the trade deficit were a tiny fraction of what they are now. Less than 1% of containers are inspected at all.

Can't inconvenience Walmart, but taking off our shoes for the one-hour domestic connecting flight is oh-so-very Serious and demands massive staffing and expenditure on MIC Machines and MIC-provided training.

Speaking of "Trusted Computing", the goddamn secure boot in UEFI won't let me put LINUX MINT on my new desktop. I'm going to get a CD-Drive and try to live boot it. No Live Boot USB works, either, and the manual says only Windows OS is supported on the motherboard, not that that means anything.