Remembering the Fourth Amendment on this Fourth of July

Our focus today is on US Government surveillance. What does the Constitution have to say on the subject?

Amendment IV.

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

Clearly, the US Government (with world-wide assistance) is overstepping its bounds in regards to electronic surveillance. 

What are your thoughts?  Do the ends justify the means?  I'd like to ask in advance that you please refrain from complaining about local PD looking for weed.  ;)

You may also enjoy my previous post on a proper Independence Day.

History of Computing

Today I'm watching this interesting talk on the history of computing by Douglas Crockford.

Aiming Higher

On this day off of work and school in America, let's take a moment to gain a bit of insight on freedom and its history.  If you've never heard this speech on the subject by Martin Luther King, Jr., you've come to the right place as it is one of the best ever given.

Conversely, if you've been bored to tears from its treatment at school, this is a great opportunity to forget all that and listen.  Just listen to what this particular group of people, who had traveled from far and wide despite hardship, came to say from their hearts.  On this hot summer day, they stood up for dignity and respect, their thoughts and emotions channeled through the speaker.

Thoughts on Independence Day

This year as the fourth of July approaches I’ve been thinking a lot about my wild yet enlightened uncle Charlie.  Although I have several agreeable uncles, Charlie was the coolest of the bunch and as a young lad I looked up to him.

Popular Science/Mechanics Puts Entire Archives Online for Free

The entire 137+year archives of Popular Science and Popular Mechanics are now online, including all the original ads.  Warning: you may not get much done today if you are a science and tech-nut like myself.  ;)