Book Burning....Computer Style

by George Ure for Urban Survival

Don't know if you have seen the story yet, but "Google Earth accused of aiding Terrorists" says a Times Online report.

In court papers, seems Indian authorities are saying that Google Earth was used for mapping out some of the terror events.

Don't know about you, but I have a problem with this 'ban Google Earth' move. What if (as seems likely) the terrorists used other readily available tools? Would the Indian court system be considering whether to "Ban Microsoft Streets and Trips"? "Banish Garmin from the Indian subcontinent"?

Hell, ban printed roadmaps while we're at it , too!

Better lock up the pens, pencils, and paper, too while we're at it - those could become terrorist tools as well.

This gets to the ugly heart of the 'terror' mindset that has infected world governments. If people had surety of a place, regular meals, and meaningful work, plus a chance to work hard and get ahead (instead of work hard for 40-years then get eff'ed-over by inflation, financial fraud, and whathaveyou) then gee, where would terrorism find root?

I know, don't be asking those obvious questions ("Where does it stop, though?"). Common sense is the kind based on the near-certain knowledge that someone who means you harm is going to get you with a .308 round, or a knife in your back. With or without Google, Streets & Trips, LandSat data which is all over the place, or a trip to key targets with a video recorder - maybe we should ban them, too?

Where does it stop? With the banning of everything! The end game is in a police state where we're all employed watching each other. And then everyone will join whatever revolution against oppression comes along.

Book burning always ends badly and this is just the same thing...with a few more chips and maybe a lithium battery.