24 September 2008 - information security

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Public Obscurity

If you never clean old files from your computer, you are probably a terrorist. Follow my reasoning. First, we are more secure if we never reveal our weaknesses, which is to say, anything. But sometimes we have to, for example, give political speeches; in those cases we minimize danger by allowing only major news networks and cheerleaders to listen. Other cameras are not allowed. Second, if an accidental disclosure does occur, we remove it from any official records. This security measure can be defeated by saving information, thus whoever saves information is a risk to national security. Protect our children!

clue:

There was a McCain campaign stop near my house Monday. On my way to work I paused to grab a few snapshots of the row of news vehicles (I counted eight with the big antennas on the roof, plus assorted others) and the marching band assembling near the two-story American flags. Then a police officer asked me, from the opposite side of the crowd barrier, whether I was a member of the press. An odd question of a passerby in a public place, hmm?

I said no (as I’m sure was obvious) without slowing down and went on to catch my train. Now I wish I had stopped to probe a little deeper.

give me a clue so sweet and true

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