[Noisebridge-discuss] Deep Crack

[madhatter]

Jake,

I think this is a fabulous project to embark upon. Being a
crypto-nerd, I understand the significance of this machine, and I
agree that it is a great honor to have it at Noisebridge. I remember
rushing out to buy the book on it's design and implementation and
devouring it. It's very generous of John Gilmore to loan it to
Noisebridge.

As has been said, there will be much discussion around this, and there
will undoubtedly be much fear about having it in the space. I think
that fear is unfounded. There is a tremendous amount of paranoia in
security circles, and from my interactions with the FBI, that paranoia
is largely unfounded. Law enforcement have a very complex and
time-consuming job, and they are horribly understaffed. Unless you're
doing something seriously illegal, to think that they care about what
you're doing is to take yourself way too seriously. I am pretty sure
this is probably going to incite several to recount their stories of
horrible interactions with law enforcement. And yes, I am well aware
of the ridiculous overreactions of local law enforcement to innocuous
events, e.g., Boston PD to the Mooninites. My statements are not
intended to deny they exist or denigrate anyone's experiences. I
simply think folks should temper their paranoia with some reality.

However, just because you're not paranoid, doesn't mean they're not
out to get you. :-)

It's a sad state of affairs that law enforcement has been allowed the
power grab they have. This discussion should remind us all that we've
permitted law enforcement to go too far. We need to reclaim our civil
rights and re-instate the Constitution. Being paranoid and flailing
about on a mailing list isn't the way to do that.

-- 
Christopher Nielsen
"They who can give up essential liberty for temporary
safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." --Benjamin Franklin