American Values Slump, Even by Engaging in Criminality like NSA’s Theft of Encryption Keys

The Great Sim Heist, an Intercept article by Jeremy Scahill and Josh Begley, reveals the extent to which the National Security Agency (NSA) will go to acquire cell phone records. Secret documents provided to the Intercept by whistleblower Edward Snowden detail how NSA and the British Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) hacked Gemalto, the largest maker of SIM cards, and stole the encryption keys used to protect the privacy of mobile communications.

It’s just one more example of where the United States has failed to live up to its values.

The Supreme Court, Death Penalty, Botched Executions; Abolishment Is Overdue

Image by Bearman2007 on Flickr

Four inmates on Oklahoma’s death row petitioned the United States Supreme Court to hear their petition for a stay of execution. One week after refusing to halt the execution of one of the men, Charles Warner, the Court agreed to hear the petition on behalf of the other three. Until the Court’s decision is made, the three men have been granted a stay.

The petition asks for a review by the Court of a sedative, midazolam, used in Oklahoma, Arizona, and Ohio, where in some cases inmates have suffered agonizing executions. Its use therefore may violate the U.S. Constitution’s protection against cruel and unusual punishment. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in April and rule on the petition by July.

Keep Your Nose Warm If You Want To Avoid Catching a Cold

Image by Denise Cortez, Flicker.com

I have a brother who swears up and down that if he doesn’t bundle up while inside or when outside of his home he will get a cold. Even when he sleeps, he covers every part of his body with a hat, facemask, three layers of clothing, three layers of stockings, gloves, and covers himself with five or six layers of bed coverings. I have always thought he was eccentric and foolish. Now I have second thoughts.

A Moneyless World: It’s An Idea Worth Spreading

Image by Celestine Chua on Flickr

Copyright: Creative Commons License

Can you imagine an America and world free from the influences of money? Where everyone would have access to education and healthcare without the burden to pay for it. Where everyone would be free to fully pursue his or her passion in a world at peace, free, and where inequality wouldn’t exist. An America and world where there is real technical and social progress without profit limitations placed on innovative research and development.

K-12 Public School Education Should Not Be Marketable

Public Education Is So Important 

That It Should Not Be Left To the Marketplace

Image by Greens MPs on Flickr

Libertarian, former Texas Congressman Ron Paul, like Conservatives and Republicans, believes that if the business world were free to operate without regulation, we would have greater freedom of choice, including education. It’s the solution to our K-12 public school problem.

Paul is not alone. There are many who criticize the public school system, calling for the need to reform public education. They say privatization of public schools will provide parents with more education alternatives.