News – Tech Passports Unprotected?

US

The Bush administration opposes security for chipped passports, which privacy advocates say are needed to protect from identity theft and government snooping. Since the chip in the passports are readable at thirty feet, anyone could get a gander unless they’re locked off from being accessed save for when required. Americans traveling abroad could be recognized for attack easier as well, by tech savvy terrorists. Frank Moss, deputy assistant secretary of state for passport services says, “There is little risk here since we plan to store only currently collected data with a facial image. The U.S. will recommend against the use of PINs (personal identification numbers) or other methods that might be required to unlock a chip for reading.” Basically, he thinks there isn’t sensitive enough data in the passports to need securing. Nevermind that it’s possible to replace the data with false data, should terrorists get so tech savvy. Instead the State Department is looking into security by storing the passport in a metal pouch or adding metal fibers to the cover. Personally, I would think that it be a matter of much discussed national security to make sure any electronica data in passports are proof against unauthorized reading, copying and replacing. Period.

The FBI purports a link between the 9/11 attack and Madrid train station bombing in a man said to have been part of the planning of 9/11 and who gave the order to carry out the Madrid bombing. Though they don’t know the precise identity of the man, narrowed down to three suspects. Considering both were alQueda operations, a link is a given, even f it isn’t clarified.

The Bush plan for Social Security will involve a short-term increase in government borrowing. So they’re purporting a short term increase in debt, which will end up paid off later, though one scenario noted puts the payback period at 20 years. Will it work? That’s my question. I want to k now what the dangers are. And I won’t accept the answer of ‘none’. There are always dangers.

Bush backs the $388 billion price-tag of a bill to finance government programs this fiscal year despite the pork it’s stuffed with, saying it fits the budget he worked out with congress. He’d like the ability to cut things like that out, though I’m hesitant to give him such ability because of what else he might try to cut out. I think it better to stop congress from bundling so many bills into one single vote. This one has nine separate bills. Why not have nine votes?

Bush says he’s pushing for the intelligence reform bill, but some think he gives mixed signals in not pushing personally for it. And this isn’t just democrats talking, republicans are also expressing concerns. Bush needs to stop making hollow statements and show action that shows he wants this bill passed.

The general shying away of Arab reformers from US assistance isn’t always logical, but it is an indication that while the goals the US purports are generally well meaning, some of the execution leaves much to be desired.

Seems there was a possible plan by Columbian rebels to ice Bush while he was out visiting Cartagena for four hours. Considering the short length of the visit and the massive level of security, I’m not surprised the idea was nixed. Of course, details are scarce so we can’t know just what was planned.

By the numbers, retailers will see a solid, if not stellar holiday buying season, with buyers seeking more bargains than full priced goods. Solid is good.

Advocates of open government are working on tools to let citizens keep tabs on the government. Since hey want to watch us, I say fair is fair.

Iraq

A suicide car bomber plows into Iraqi policeman waiting to collect their pay, killing 12 people and wounding at least 10. Personally, I think the Iraqi government needs to implement a means of distributing pay that doesn’t involve police gathering in groups. A knot of policemen with their minds on pay and not in danger are too tempting and easy a target. It seems that, since the attack on Falluja, the militants have gone on heavy attack, though like any intelligent aggressor they attack the weakest link. Iraqi forces and police.

Prominent Shia politicians are calling for the elections to be held in January as planned, despite the violence and calls for a six month delay. If they are, I hope they go well. Afghanistan was easier, it’s not as hot as Iraq. Especially now after the hive got shaken up again.

Some troops in the field had a good dinner for Thanksgiving, though the necessity of Kevlar and helmets at the dinner table was likely a smudge on the good time. A sad reality, the necessity to be ready where they gather in groups.

According to press reports, two French journalists taken hostage 100 days ago are alive and well. This gathered from a recording on a CD Rom believed to have been made earlier this month.

Dexter Filkins of the New York Times walked with the Marines of Bravo Company of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines in Falluja. He brought many stories from that experience, which give insight into the real action on the ground.

Israel/Palestine

Sharon and Abbas say they’re willing to meet, but it’s unlikely that a meeting will come before the early January elections.

Of all the images one might expect to shock and disturb Israelis, that of IDF soldiers forcing a Palestinian man to play his violin before being passed through a checkpoint wouldn’t be the one I would have expected.

Popular Palestinian militant Marwan Barghouti has pulled back from entering the running for Arafat’s position in the Palestinian Authority. I can’t say I’m sad about that, hopefully he won’t do anything untoward either.

My plumber, my hero. A story about Ezra Nawi, a gay plumber in Jerusalem. Another interesting tidbit from Guardian that you’ll likely never see in another resource except for MSN Slate.

Russia</B>

Ukraine remains locked in limbo as its Supreme Court decides to investigate the allegations of fraud in their Nov 21 election. Given the alacrity which Putin showed in congratulating Viktor Yanukovich and the alacrity to which western nations have gone to suggest Ukrainians not anoint him leader yet, this could become another bone of contention between Russia and the west. Viktor Yushchenko, the challenger, wants to hold a new election in Dec and Sen. Richard Lugar, a U.S. monitor of the election, thinks that would be wise as well. I’d be one to err on that side as well.

General

From the creators of Wikipedia, now comes a new site. WikiNews where citizen journalists can report on world events. Intriguing idea, though more perilous than the strict open encyclopedia. I think I’ll observe it for a while, for possible addition to my news sources.

Researches are working on an RFID watch that would allow the memory challenges to track their things, though it’s a dance figuring out how smart to make such a smart watch.

Today’s Papers has Abbas hoping for agreement on a final Palestinian state by the end of next year, capture of scads of weapons in Falluja, questions on who might succeed Greenspan and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Neurotically Yours: Passion of the Zombies

Mark Fiore: Thanks-For-Nothing Turkey

Target scores again and suckers thousands of people into going to their website with a new offering of marijuana

School bans winter coats, starts fleecing students for regulation fleeces

Man goes to Sacramento fire station to drop off live hand grenade he found while cleaning his garage

“Buy Nothing Day” not catching on as organizers discover that the day after Thanksgiving was probably not the best day to hold the event

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this Hulk lovin’ guy

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop how Dan Rather will spend his retirement. Difficulty: No REM

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this peculiar beach scene