Ashcroft, Ellison Win 'Big Brother' Privacy Awards

GuyMannDude writes "Reuters is reporting that Privacy International's 4th Annual US "Big Brother" Awards have been announced at the 12th Conference on Computers, Freedom and Privacy. Ashcroft won "Worst Government Official" and Ellison won "Worst Corporate Invader". Couldn't have happened to a pair of nicer guys."

Re:If you don't like the govt

[Anonymous Coward]

It's up to you to take care of this, not some whinebag "committee".

Right. In fact, they shouldn't even *talk* about it or disseminate opinions about which people or organizations are most likely to attempt to infringe your privacy. Because nobody ever, ever needs help with anything and nothing ever needs to be publicized.

Re:If you don't like the govt

[topside420]

... then just use crypto. It's up to you to take care of this, not some whinebag "committee".

Why should I have to use crypto? Why can't the government get a search warrant or goto a judge if they want to see my emails.

If I don't like something about the government, its my duty to try and change that. Thats what patriotism is about. Fighting for whats right, not being a passive wuss. Sure, I may use crypto for now if I need or want to, but that shouldn't stop me, or the community, from fighting unconstitutional laws.

Re:If you don't like the govt

[gruntvald]

"Why can't the government get a search warrant or goto a judge if they want to see my emails. ".
That's a provocative statement, do you have any actual evidence to back it up? Last I heard, this is just a deliberate distortion of the truth.

Each "winner" received...

[rubicon7]

...a golden statue depicting a jackboot pressing down on a human head.

Gotta love it.

Well actually

[nakaduct]

...a golden statue depicting a jackboot pressing down on a human head.

It's a Doc Marten standing on a mummy's head. I thought it was some goth award at first.

Re:Each "winner" received...

[scaryjohn]

"Most recipients fail to pick up the honor in person."

I would not like to be the UPS guy who had to deliver these things to Oracle or the DOJ...

UPS Guy: I need you to sign for this
Receptionist: What is it, first
UPS Guy: It says "Award enclosed" and "Fragile". That's all i know.
Receptionist: We have to be security conscious around here, y'know.

*opens box*
*sees golden shrunken head*

Receptionist: AIEEEEEEEE! There's no way we're signing for this... Send this &*()#&*()#%@&@^#(%) back to those mother&(#*&%)!!!!!!!!!!

Ashcroft

[djmitche]

Has anyone noticed that many of Ashcroft's actions since he's risen to power are being challenged and defeated in the courts? A couple have even garnered harsh criticism of Ashcroft & co. from the presiding judge. Looks like they will appeal most of the cases all the way to the Supreme Court, and most are regarding constutional issues which the court will likely hear and rule on.

I didn't hear his swearing in personally, but I'll bet part of his oath was to uphold the Constitution..

How many cases will he have to lose on grounds that he acted unconstitutionally before someone takes action to remove him from office?

Re:Ashcroft

[vegetablespork]

About as many as he can present until the 2004 election, I imagine. But unless Bush really botches the "war," he's probably a shoo-in to get elected. (Note, I said "elected," not "re-elected.")

Re:Ashcroft

[Ummon_i]

what do you want when you hire somone who's states constituance would rather elect a dead man?