2 ms·
While I do think the concept of community ostracision is impractical (because there is never only one tech community to start with) - "I just followed the law"
by fsloth 10y ago
While I do think the concept of community ostracision is impractical (because there is never only one tech community to start with) - "I just followed the law" is never a moral free pass. Given that what law means actually is daily debated in courtrooms it's not only morally hollow, it's uncomputable to an individual in the general sense.
"I just did what the authority figure told me to" is one the oldest excuses in the book.
- bbarn 10y agoTo be clear - I am not suggesting that everything on the books should be followed, I am suggesting that punishing people who are following these specific laws in question, which are following NSA letters and gag orders, does not fit what I think is the commonly accepted way we treat each other.
- fsloth 10y agoYes. I agree with this sentiment fully. The main connotation which invoked my response was equalling the resentment of following the law unilaterally to the mindset of a criminal organization.