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From: mikey@trsvax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.flame
Subject: Re: Re:My first flame ; and last I hope - (nf)
Message-ID: <55300023@trsvax.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 12-Jun-84 17:47:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: trsvax.55300023
Posted: Tue Jun 12 17:47:00 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 15-Jun-84 00:15:08 EDT
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Nf-ID: #R:ut-ngp:-67800:trsvax:55300023:000:1590
Nf-From: trsvax!mikey    Jun 12 16:47:00 1984

#R:ut-ngp:-67800:trsvax:55300023:000:1590
trsvax!mikey    Jun 12 16:47:00 1984



Whether you call them "hackers" or not, or even if they deserve the title,
you are talking about a qualitative term.  However, I think the issue is 
pointing at the division of computer tourist vs. computer terrorist.  
Granted, illegal use of an account is unjustified, and the person 
responsible should take steps to insure that it does not continue, but I
would not lable every tourist or transient user a 'Hacker" either.  

Along this line, I also admit that most of the computer terrorist are
prime examples of a little knowledge is dangerous.  These assholes do have
one good point, it probably is a desire to learn that drives them on.  But
like mindless animal or the Catholic church during the dark ages, they smash
and destroy what they can't understand.  I'm not really for strict
penalties for computer breakins, just that the defendant, if found guilty,
should be held accountable for his actions.  If the 414s had to pay for the
lost computer time at Sloan-Kettering, or the BBS operators were held
liable for account numbers KNOWINGLY on there systems, the law might
be a little fairer.  

A side flame, I saw a special on one of the late night news shows after the
414 incident and they interviewed the Woz.  I don't remember the exact words
but I instantly lost what respect I had for the guy when he made statements
to the effect that he encouraged this kind of behavior from teenagers, 
and that he would hire them. 

I guess it is all summed up by the line in Wargames when the
kid said that he was under 18.  If you can get away with it, Why Not?

mikey at trsvax