farmdoc's blog post number 272

As I’ve written, I’ve never taken kindly to authority figures. Therefore, naturally, I object to the pathetic attempt by the government of my country, to censor the internet. It plans to filter all Australian internet traffic, and blocking material it deems ‘inappropriate’. Under the plan, the government can add any ‘unwanted’ site to a secret blacklist. Testing has already begun on systems that’ll slow our internet by up to 87%, make it more expensive, miss the vast majority of inappropriate content, and accidentally block up to 1 in 12 legitimate sites. Due to these factors (especially the internet slowing), and because I have no respect for politicians and therefore their judgement vis-à-vis what is ‘inappropriate’, I’ve joined the nearly 100,000 Australians who’ve signed GetUp!’s online petition. You can too, if you wish (see below). Talking of censorship, last week Israel’s Central Elections Committee voted to prohibit Arab political parties running in the 10 February national election. I can understand why many Israelis are increasingly suspicious about the loyalties of Israeli Arabs. But to me, anything less than full democracy is no democracy. So I'm pleased Israel’s Supreme Court is likely to overturn the decision. Because it’s critical that Israel maintains her vast moral superiority over her enemies. Incidentally, I've learned all this via my internet connection. Which is fast. Until now, anyway.