In reference to Eric's reference to espiocrat, I agree that we were
right to stop our dialogue and even more shocked when I heard that the
Air Force murders had really taken place. I think that we should
displace the term introduced from any credibility however. Whatever
information is sent from governments is sent willingly and in total
knowledge of whom is being addressed. Often, you are on a consulting
list where no money is involved and the government only wants to test
out some opinions and strategies. I think the term, espiocrat,
probably fuels paranoia.  There is no such thing merely fear
mongering. The world doesn't work like Superman Comic Books. So, there
is no sense in leading the internet to believe that this is the case.
I sent this message because I was apprehensive that someone might have
taken the concept seriously and set off a bout of paranoia that would
have virtually shut down the internet. I hope this dispels any sense
of peculiarity in the internet: I suspect that it is merely becoming fragile
because of the 4.5 million messages which are being exchanged daily.
-- Paul.
--
 
Dr. Paul S. di Virgilio,  University of Toronto  [log in to unmask]