**************************************************************************** >C O M P U T E R U N D E R G R O U N D< >D I G E S T< *** Volume 2, Issue #2.17 (December 16, 1990) ** **************************************************************************** MODERATORS: Jim Thomas / Gordon Meyer (TK0JUT2@NIU.bitnet) ARCHIVISTS: Bob Krause / Alex Smith RESIDENT INSOMNIAC: Brendan Kehoe USENET readers can currently receive CuD as alt.society.cu-digest. COMPUTER UNDERGROUND DIGEST is an open forum dedicated to sharing information among computerists and to the presentation and debate of diverse views. CuD material may be reprinted as long as the source is cited. Some authors, however, do copyright their material, and those authors should be contacted for reprint permission. It is assumed that non-personal mail to the moderators may be reprinted unless otherwise specified. Readers are encouraged to submit reasoned articles relating to the Computer Underground. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DISCLAIMER: The views represented herein do not necessarily represent the views of the moderators. Contributors assume all responsibility for assuring that articles submitted do not violate copyright protections. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ------------------------------ From: The Advocate / return deleted Subject: Some Thoughts on the Atlanta Sentencing Date: Tue, 11 Dec 90 15:37:23 -0500 ******************************************************************** *** CuD #2.17: File 4 of 7: Thoughts on the Atlanta Sentencing *** ******************************************************************** I find the statement in the sentencing memo "these three had acquired tremendous information, enough to become frighteningly powerful" to be the key to the governments prosecution. The governemnt has always feared those who have gained power outside of the channels of normal authority, and sought to destroy all those who have gained this power. The FBI sought to destroy King and the SCLC, not because he was a bad man, but because he threatened the status quo. The Black Panthers threatened the status quo and they were destroyed. Read the history of organized labor. Every initial unionization attempt was met with violence and legal assault, until the unions became part of the establishment. Jesus was crucified because he threatened the order. Now hackers have started to seize information and power. That power is a potential force for good or evil. That power could shake the world as they know it. So now all forces of law enforcement have begun to turn on those who may threaten the order. I would recommend that all those who wish to hack, listen to "Ruby, an intergalactic gumshoe". It's a radio drama from the people who did the "fourth tower of Inverness"(best guess). There there is an organization called the digital circus, who build wrestling robots. THey wrestle against the rulers machines. They never win, but always come a little closer before throwing the match. I would suggest that the sentencing memo serve as a warning to all other hackers. SQUEALERS NEVER PROSPER......... John Doe the indiana stool pigeon, got for his troubles, a search warrant and indictment. The atlanta three got for their guilty plea and cooperation about 8 years and $250,000 in punishment. I have been around criminal lawyers and investigators, for the better part of my life. I cannot suggest any case where cooperation brings help. Now all of them are also vulnerable on civil charges. Had they all sat odwn, said prove the case and fought it out, they would have done no worse. and probably could have demolished the case with Dr Dennings testimony. But no, they squealed. Someone ought to slap around their attorneys. Craig Neidorf had it right with sheldon zenner. Fight all the way. Don't fight the good fight. Fight with every drop of blood you have. Fight constitutionality. fight civilly. fight in the press. fight in the legislature. If you are indicted, use your rights. Subpoena every document of the firms opposing you. They claim billions in damages, subpoena all their operating records. get their expense records of top officials. Use your subpoena rights to find dirt on their witnesses. It's there, you just have to look for it. IF there is going to be a computer underground, then it's going to have to learn how to fight and win in the courts and legislatures and public opinion. that means controlling our excesses. learning how to measure performance, and developing ethics. Ethics. The Dark adept wrote about these. Why break into yet another TSO machine? Don't damage data. Learn to respect privacy rights. IF you find a security bug, publish it, but learn how to offer your services to fix these. Learn to realize that trespassing via computer is no different then trespass by foot. Create playlands. The LOTS machine at stanford provided many a safe outlet. Get these machines going at the larger colleges. Why can't their still be LOTS? Learn to realize limits, as well. well best of luck for those of you out there. I remain, The Advocate. ******************************************************************** >> END OF THIS FILE << ***************************************************************************  Downloaded From P-80 International Information Systems 304-744-2253 12yrs+