[Noisebridge-discuss] Deep Crack

[Al Billings]

All this makes me wonder what would happen if someone who was an  
employee of either the SFPD or the FBI attempted to join the space as  
a member? Would people run away screaming to find torches and  
pitchforks?

Do we have a "no government employees" clause in our membership rules?  
Is this like the "no religion" clause that some people seem to favor?

On Oct 8, 2009, at 2:57 PM, madhatter wrote:

> 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.