4 ms·

Do you think that the U.S. government has enough money to influence Intel and Microsoft? It is the other way around: both companies spend tens of millions on lo

Do you think that the U.S. government has enough money to influence Intel and Microsoft? It is the other way around: both companies spend tens of millions on lobbyists. William Binney said something. Does it mean that it applies to all companies? Did he mention which companies? Is he a credible source for things that occurred after he left NSA? Is he even a credible source outside his expertise? Do you think that European countries don't take action? What would you call the anti-trust suit against Google, GDPR, anti-tax haven lawsuit against Apple, and other actions? Having a narrow set of news sources can lead a reasonable person (you) to your conclusion. I urge you to look at a variety of sources. Some good ones: Der Spiegel, Al Jazeera, NPR, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The South China Morning Post.

madez 9y ago
You ask interesting questions. > Do you think that the U.S. government has enough money to influence Intel and Microsoft? I think the government uses (legal) force and threats to get what they want. The laws are in place to leave no options for the company. The money is more a compensation than a bribery. It could make the companies comply without needing to go nuclear. Also, it supports local companies. > It is the other way around: both companies spend tens of millions on lobbyists. Do these lobbysist have any influence on the FBI, CIA, NSA, etc., either directly or remotely through the government? I don't think so. > William Binney said something. Does it mean that it applies to all companies? Did he mention which companies? Is he a credible source for things that occurred after he left NSA? Is he even a credible source outside his expertise? All companies? I don't know, and it doesn't even matter. He talked about his time at the NSA. I consider him a credible source, since I have no reason not to. > Do you think that European countries don't take action? What would you call the anti-trust suit against Google, GDPR, anti-tax haven lawsuit against Apple, and other actions? Yes, I think they don't take sufficient and adequate action. The GDPR is a good step, but the race is not won by a step. It reminds me of an anti-corruption office in a one-party communist regime. A good thing, but not enough. Please don't meddle this with taxes. That is a totally different outrageous clusterfuck.
- linkregister 9y ago
  > Do these lobbysist have any influence on the FBI, CIA, NSA, etc., either directly or remotely through the government? I don't think so. These agencies have their budgets set by the U.S. Congress. I think you're unfamiliar with the composition of the United States government. > I consider him a credible source, since I have no reason not to. What makes him a credible source? His claim to fame is THINTHREAD, not cash deals with companies. Are you saying that if a man says something that aligns with your world view, but is outside of his expertise, you'll still believe the statement? That doesn't sound honest. > Yes, I think they don't take sufficient and adequate action Then why claim that the EU won't take any action when you admit they do in the next reply? This is the problem with discourse on most of the internet. People make extreme claims to make a point. But that's not a reasoned argument. You're venting, not arguing. That belongs on Reddit and 4chan, not here.

madez 9y ago

You ask interesting questions. > Do you think that the U.S. government has enough money to influence Intel and Microsoft? I think the government uses (legal) force and threats to get what they want. The laws are in place to leave no options for the company. The money is more a compensation than a bribery. It could make the companies comply without needing to go nuclear. Also, it supports local companies. > It is the other way around: both companies spend tens of millions on lobbyists. Do these lobbysist have any influence on the FBI, CIA, NSA, etc., either directly or remotely through the government? I don't think so. > William Binney said something. Does it mean that it applies to all companies? Did he mention which companies? Is he a credible source for things that occurred after he left NSA? Is he even a credible source outside his expertise? All companies? I don't know, and it doesn't even matter. He talked about his time at the NSA. I consider him a credible source, since I have no reason not to. > Do you think that European countries don't take action? What would you call the anti-trust suit against Google, GDPR, anti-tax haven lawsuit against Apple, and other actions? Yes, I think they don't take sufficient and adequate action. The GDPR is a good step, but the race is not won by a step. It reminds me of an anti-corruption office in a one-party communist regime. A good thing, but not enough. Please don't meddle this with taxes. That is a totally different outrageous clusterfuck.

linkregister 9y ago
> Do these lobbysist have any influence on the FBI, CIA, NSA, etc., either directly or remotely through the government? I don't think so. These agencies have their budgets set by the U.S. Congress. I think you're unfamiliar with the composition of the United States government. > I consider him a credible source, since I have no reason not to. What makes him a credible source? His claim to fame is THINTHREAD, not cash deals with companies. Are you saying that if a man says something that aligns with your world view, but is outside of his expertise, you'll still believe the statement? That doesn't sound honest. > Yes, I think they don't take sufficient and adequate action Then why claim that the EU won't take any action when you admit they do in the next reply? This is the problem with discourse on most of the internet. People make extreme claims to make a point. But that's not a reasoned argument. You're venting, not arguing. That belongs on Reddit and 4chan, not here.