[dak1]

> A few days later, the county asked Harris for a demonstration open to county supervisors. The company refused, Mr. Simitian said, noting that “only people with badges” would be permitted. Further, he said, the company declined to provide a copy of the nondisclosure agreement — at least until after the demonstration.

> At the meeting in Santa Clara County last month, the county supervisors voted 4 to 1 to authorize the purchase

How on Earth are our elected officials agreeing to such insane requirements? Our Democracy requires transparency to work, and that especially includes allowing oversight by our Legislative members and allowing them to communicate that oversight to their constituents.

[themartorana]

There's still a pervasive fear of being the one who let the terrorists win. It's utterly absurd, but when the DHS and FBI are saber rattling and procurement departments have the backing of all the three-letter agencies, town and city officials often show deference. People have been trained to respect authority - not entirely unjustly - but don't realize that we put them in office to be the check we can't be as average citizens.

When people say "nothing will ever be the same" this is what they're talking about.

Edit: we should respect authority, but we shouldn't bow down to it unjustly or allow it to run amok based on FUD.

[discardorama]

> How on Earth are our elected officials agreeing to such insane requirements?

Unfortunately, this is what happens when Good People don't get involved in politics. We let the lowest common denominator rule; and they are easily bamboozled by the terror bogeyman.

Word to fellow techies: there are more ways to help your fellow human beings than just doing a "hack for good". Get involved in politics; run for your local office.