In what I can only conclude is yet ANOTHER instance of government working to control our lives and spy on us, the state of Texas just passed legislation banning people from working as computer technicians unless they hold a Criminal Justice degree, or a P.I. license!

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2324220,00.asp

(Seems parallel to the plan to train hundreds of utility workers, police and firefighters to become "Terrorism Liaison Officers", making sure these people take time out from their regular jobs to report people for such suspicious activities as measuring things or making drawings.)

http://www.democracynow.org/2008/6/30/police_firefighters_utility_workers_among_hundreds

We already see what happened when the telcos were asked to assist in illegal spying on American citizens. A bill was quickly whipped up to grant the phone companies complete immunity, and not only did it *quickly* pass in the Senate, but the House ramrodded it through in a mere 24 hours after the public got any notice of it coming to a vote!

http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/02/senate-approves.html

http://www.betanews.com/article/Amended_FISA_bill_passed_House_telco_immunity_left_in/1214235874

Happy July 4th. everyone, but honestly, I think at this point, we're not really celebrating anything except fond memories of a previous form of government.

Tags: computer techs law Texas