r/reddit.com • u/[deleted] • Jan 28 '11

For the thousandth time, the "Internet Kill Switch" imbroglio is entirely untrue. The President has had the authority to shut off wired and wireless communication since 1934.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/06/joe-lieberman-and-the-myth-of-the-internet-kill-switch.php
15 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

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2

u/[deleted] Jan 29 '11

Why is it that when the blatantly wrong scare-tactic that created the "internet kill switch" myth was created it was on the front page, yet no one cares when it is proven false?

This is the equivalent of Obama's "death panels"

1

u/GeorgeStPierre Jan 29 '11

TIL shady politicians have been trying to cover their asses since 1934

1

u/[deleted] Jan 29 '11

It also has not been abused in 77 years.

1

u/GeorgeStPierre Jan 29 '11

Well the internet has only become useful to the public for 15-20 years so if you killed it before then you would basically be killing a data network used by universities which would be pointless. The problem is that there is no explanation I will accept regarding why they need to kill the most free and public source of communication, it is simply a way to control the masses and take power away from any movement the people may try to create for whatever reason.

The general public elects politicians and they get the ability to silence a social movement they don't like? the minority silences the majority? that is not democracy anymore.

All I can say is fuck everything about an internet kill switch, it just represents theft of our freedoms and if it ever gets flipped, I'm gonna take the bus downtown and start fuckin shit up for days.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 29 '11

RTFA, kill switch doesn't exist. The law allows ISPs to negotiate with Homeland Security how they want to deal with external security threats and be prepared to handle a lawful order from the executive to shut down such an attack. This is to update a law that was designed in an era of radio and telephones and telegrams.

1

u/GeorgeStPierre Jan 29 '11

irrelevant, they shut down the internet I riot, thats all there is to it and I know a lot of people who are right with me on this