Saturday, May 10, 2003

Making A List And Checking It Twice Frankly, the liberties that John Ashcroft is taking with our liberties is scary.  Take for instance the "No-Fly" list, on which are people who are interrogated and searched if they go to an airport.  You can be put on that list even if you're just someone who just speaks out in disapproval of our government.  Once on that list, you have no recourse in having it removed.  Or the fact that law enforcement can now listen in on your phone conversations, search and seize your private property, and watch what you browse online at anytime without a warrant.  All you have to be is "suspected" of terrorist activity or links to such.  Exactly what it takes to be a suspect isn't defined.  Also scary is that the government can force a librarian or bookstore owner to produce a list of what you've been reading.  You're no longer entitled to read what you want without someone in Washington knowing and keeping track of your habits, all without your knowledge. At least some people are fighting back.  But it is still important to stay aware of what John Ashcroft has been up to in the name of justice.  It is equally important to know exactly what your rights are.  Or in many cases, were. Related links: Ashcroft Watch ACLU - Suppression of Dissent in Post 9/11 America 8:56:47 PM     |

Do You Read What I Read? One very cool feature that Amazon.com has is the ability to check-out what certain groups of people are buying.  You can see what they're reading, watching, listening to, or pluggin in.  For instance, you can easily find out what books the folks at Standford University are buying overall, or for a more unique perspective, you can see what books are uniquely popular at that particular institution.  No Turning Back: The History of Feminism and the Future of Women?  Never heard of it before, but now I have. How about what music the U.S. Army is listening to?  Norah Jones and Shania Twain?  I have a hard time believing that this is what the troops are jamming to in the Middle East.  Maybe its what they are buying as gifts for their families back home. You can even compare cities.  What dvds are the citizens of New York City buying compared to say San Antonio, Texas?  Have to say that New York wins on that comparison. Speaking of Texas, it's interesting that Del Rio, Texas, a small town about an hour north of here has a listing of books on Amazon, but Eagle Pass (where I live) does not.  But then again, maybe it's not too surprising.  The only things I ever see anyone browsing at our local bookstore are wrestling and video game magazines (when there's anyone in there at all). And what about Congress?  What are they reading?  Harry Potter and Bush at War.  In that order.  That explains a hell of a lot.  And DVDs?  The Lord of the Rings and My Big, Fat Greek Wedding.  Again, explains a lot.  And music?  The Dixie Chicks are number two on the list?  I thought it was unpatriotic to listen to them. Facinating stuff.  If you're interested in browsing other groups of people and their purchasing tendencies, head to the Purchasing Circles area of Amazon.com.  From there you can look over the shoulders of a wide range of people and find out what they are filling their heads with, and perhaps get some ideas on what to put in your own. 8:11:40 PM     |

© Copyright 2005 Alex L. Mauldin.