There are two parts to this Apple pronunciation:
1) A non-statement: Because in case Apple received a request, it wouldn't have been a direct NSA request, but high level communication with the FBI. In that sense, the first paragraph is a non-denial.
2) Missing from Queally's commentary is the closing paragraph of Apple's non-pronunciation:
" We will continue to use our resources to stay ahead of malicious hackers and defend our customers from security attacks, regardless of who’s behind them."
I have never seen Apple so angry. That paragraph has class action lawsuit all over it, or at least a serious warning that all possible considerations are on the table.
Additionally, word is that top-tier NSA officials and one tech giant official have been emphatically in favor of reining in the NSA. After this statement, I wouldn't be surprised if that unnamed tech giant official were Tim Cook.
"The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive"
--Thomas Jefferson.
Notice for Joe: Jefferson is dead, and he was an American, founder of the United States of America. He was never in touch with any of the very bad philosophies that you demonize.
"I think myself that we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious. " -- Thomas Jefferson
There is no doubt in my mind that all the people who perceive Assange's opinion as extremist/libertarian are just not paying attention and completely misinformed.
In fact, considering the gravity of the situation, Assange's words were of a moderate left tone, calling for an association of IT workers to defend the rights of people. I can't understand how is that extreme by any means.
After watching the Appelbaum presentation, ask to yourself the following questions:
1) If Obama and Congress didn't know, why aren't they demanding a halt of operations now they do?
2) If Obama and Congress can't stop what the NSA does, why have they kept the general public in the dark, explaining it with outright lies?
3) If Obama & Congress don't want to stop NSA criminals, and if they, in fact work for the people, what does that mean? Or if you're feeling charitable, what do they fear would happen if they did?
If Obama and Congress don't know, can't, or don't want to stop what Appelbaum showed, the US is effectively under dictatorial rule, and the only remaining question is who is really in charge in the struggle for absolute power.
There are two parts to this Apple pronunciation:
1) A non-statement: Because in case Apple received a request, it wouldn't have been a direct NSA request, but high level communication with the FBI. In that sense, the first paragraph is a non-denial.
2) Missing from Queally's commentary is the closing paragraph of Apple's non-pronunciation:
" We will continue to use our resources to stay ahead of malicious hackers and defend our customers from security attacks, regardless of who’s behind them."
I have never seen Apple so angry. That paragraph has class action lawsuit all over it, or at least a serious warning that all possible considerations are on the table.
Additionally, word is that top-tier NSA officials and one tech giant official have been emphatically in favor of reining in the NSA. After this statement, I wouldn't be surprised if that unnamed tech giant official were Tim Cook.
"The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive"
--Thomas Jefferson.
Notice for Joe: Jefferson is dead, and he was an American, founder of the United States of America. He was never in touch with any of the very bad philosophies that you demonize.
I'll let wiser people than me answer that:
"I think myself that we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious. " -- Thomas Jefferson
There is no doubt in my mind that all the people who perceive Assange's opinion as extremist/libertarian are just not paying attention and completely misinformed.
In fact, considering the gravity of the situation, Assange's words were of a moderate left tone, calling for an association of IT workers to defend the rights of people. I can't understand how is that extreme by any means.
For anyone wanting to actually learn what's the true state of affairs regarding the NSA, I recommend you watch Jacob Appelbaum's presentation at the same venue:
https://twitter.com/ggreenwald/status/417639089802706945
After watching the Appelbaum presentation, ask to yourself the following questions:
1) If Obama and Congress didn't know, why aren't they demanding a halt of operations now they do?
2) If Obama and Congress can't stop what the NSA does, why have they kept the general public in the dark, explaining it with outright lies?
3) If Obama & Congress don't want to stop NSA criminals, and if they, in fact work for the people, what does that mean? Or if you're feeling charitable, what do they fear would happen if they did?
If Obama and Congress don't know, can't, or don't want to stop what Appelbaum showed, the US is effectively under dictatorial rule, and the only remaining question is who is really in charge in the struggle for absolute power.