Seton Motley
Washington Examiner
7/2/2010
“Right now, China, the government, can disconnect parts of its internet, in the case of war, we need to have that here too.”
– Senator Joe Lieberman
The number of Americans still clinging to the notion that the government is competent and capable of anything – let alone everything – is thankfully dwindling at a rapid rate.
Unfortunately, it appears that nearly every elected Democrat in Washington is a member of this shrinking minority.
For instance, there’s Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman (I know, he’s technically an Independent) – and his Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act (PCNAA). Which on June 25th passed out of the Senate Homeland Security committee.
This is legislation that would – in the event of a cyber attack – allow the President of the United States to shut down parts or all of the internet should “a cyber attack capable of causing massive damage or loss of life” occur. Thus the nickname the internet “kill switch” bill.
Who makes the determination of what warrants flipping the “kill switch?” The government, of course.
The bill empowers the government to force companies it chooses – broadband providers, search engines, software firms – to “immediately comply with any emergency measure or action developed” by the Department of Homeland Security. Including completely shutting down on operations.
As stated, who develops these “emergency measure or action(s)?” The government, of course…
…Yes, please, let’s emulate China when it comes to freedom and governmental practices…
…And there are the tremendous free speech ramifications of this legislation. We know Obama’s highly allergic to even the slightest criticism. The rampant free speech on the Web is undoubtedly giving him hives.
