"No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual
warfare."
-- James Madison, from "The Most Dreaded Enemy of Liberty" (1793)
Another quality piece of work from USA TODAY (ahem).
Today's lesson (titled
Cellphone bans fade out): Cellular phones are no longer strictly "the tools
of drug dealers." Be sure to read closely so you can catch the author's
skillful connection between the popularity of cellphones with children and the
"Sept. 11" terrorist attacks.
The Homeland Security arm of the White House apparently plans to unveil a new "terrorism alert system" to ensure that threats of terrorism are broadcast everywhere. What's up with that? The White House already has quasi-exclusive control of the FCC's Emergency Alert System (formerly known as the Emergency Broadcasting System), which allows them to electronically take over every TV and radio station in the country at the touch of a button. (This has, of course, never been done.)
Puns I can do without: "IMPACT OF SEPTEMBER 11" (Reuters, Mar. 9).
In yet another follow-up to tbe above-mentioned event, Kenneth Feinberg announced that the average government payout to bereaved families will now be increasing to $1.85 million per dead person. Steve Push, treasurer of a group called "Families of Sept. 11," says it's "pretty likely" that his 700-member group will sue the government for not being generous enough. He claims the government's value of a human life is "arbitrary and capricious," and says it should really be at least $2.7 million. (USA Today, Mar. 8).
Shit! I didn't even get anything from last year's over-hyped "middle-class tax refund!"
According to a generous offer from the "Consolidation Assistance Program(sm)," I was selected from the masses of ordinary college students by the good fortune of having my name and address sold to "Grad Partners, Inc." (operators of above program) by the nice folks at Experian, who maintain a database with my name, address, telephone number, social security number, and all of my financial records. I called their "opt-out" phone number (1-888-567-8688) and was told by an automated voice on a third-level menu option that, after dialing my home telephone number (it seemed to know my street address after that), I would have to leave my full name, including middle initial, and my social security number, without which they would not have the means to process my request.
So I ask this: How is it possible that the automated voice could be given my full fucking name and telephone number, search its database and read me my mailing address, and still not be able to "process my request" without recording me speaking my full name (spelled out) and social security number? Does it not know who I am? Did it forget where I live, in the 3 seconds between prompts?
And what the hell does "Experian" mean, anyway?
One false fire alarm yesterday; three today, plus an explosion in the courtyard that was called in to the Fire Department by several individuals off-campus! The Fire Chief informs us that one more false alarm tonight will result in the eviction of the entire dorm.
