The federal government would have “absolute power” to shut down the Internet under the terms of a new US Senate bill being pushed by Joe Lieberman, legislation which would hand President Obama a figurative “kill switch” to seize control of the world wide web in response to a Homeland Security directive.

Lieberman has been pushing for government regulation of the Internet for years under the guise of cybersecurity, but this new bill goes even further in handing emergency powers over to the feds which could be used to silence free speech under the pretext of a national emergency.

“The legislation says that companies such as broadband providers, search engines or software firms that the US Government selects “shall immediately comply with any emergency measure or action developed” by the Department of Homeland Security. Anyone failing to comply would be fined,” reports ZDNet’s Declan McCullagh ^[2].

The 197-page bill (PDF ^[3]) is entitled Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act, or PCNAA.

Technology lobbying group TechAmerica warned that the legislation created “the potential for absolute power,” while the Center for Democracy and Technology worried that the bill’s emergency powers “include authority to shut down or limit internet traffic on private systems.”

The bill has the vehement support of Senator Jay Rockefeller, who last year asked during a congressional hearing ^[4], “Would it had been better if we’d have never invented the Internet?” while fearmongering about cyber-terrorists preparing attacks.

The largest Internet-based corporations are seemingly happy with the bill, primarily because it contains language that will give them immunity from civil lawsuits and also reimburse them for any costs incurred if the Internet is shut down for a period of time.

“If there’s an “incident related to a cyber vulnerability” after the President has declared an emergency and the affected company has followed federal standards, plaintiffs’ lawyers cannot collect damages for economic harm. And if the harm is caused by an emergency order from the Feds, not only does the possibility of damages virtually disappear, but the US Treasury will even pick up the private company’s tab,” writes McCullagh.

(ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW)

^[5]

Tom Gann, McAfee’s vice president for government relations, described the bill as a “very important piece of legislation”.

As we have repeatedly warned for years, the federal government is desperate to seize control of the Internet because the establishment is petrified at the fact that alternative and independent media outlets are now eclipsing corporate media outlets in terms of audience share, trust, and influence.

We witnessed another example of this on Monday when establishment Congressman Bob Etheridge was publicly shamed after he was shown on video assaulting two college students^[6] who asked him a question. Two kids with a flip cam and a You Tube account could very well have changed the course of a state election, another startling reminder of the power of the Internet and independent media, and why the establishment is desperate to take that power away.

The government has been searching for any avenue possible through which to regulate free speech on the Internet and strangle alternative media outlets, with the FTC recently proposing a “Drudge Tax” ^[7] that would force independent media organizations to pay fees that would be used to fund mainstream newspapers.

Similar legislation aimed at imposing Chinese-style censorship of the Internet and giving the state the power to shut down networks has already been passed globally, including in the UK ^[8], New Zealand ^[9] and Australia ^[10].

We have extensively covered efforts to scrap the internet as we know it ^[11] and move toward a greatly restricted “internet 2″ system. Handing government the power to control the Internet would only be the first step towards this system, whereby individual ID’s and government permission would be required simply to operate a website.

The Lieberman bill needs to be met with fierce opposition at every level and from across the political spectrum. Regulation of the Internet would not only represent a massive assault on free speech, it would also create new roadblocks for e-commerce and as a consequence further devastate the economy.

URL to article: http://www.prisonplanet.com/new-bill-gives-obama-kill-switch-to-shut-down-the-internet.html

URLs in this post:

[1] Prison Planet.com: http://www.prisonplanet.com

[2] reports ZDNet’s Declan McCullagh: http://www.zdnet.com.au/internet-kill-switch-proposed-for-us-339303838.htm

[3] PDF: http://hsgac.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Files.View&FileStore_id=4ee63497-ca5b-4a4b-9bba-04b7f4cb0123

[4] who last year asked during a congressional hearing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct9xzXUQLuY

[5] Image: http://infowars-shop.stores.yahoo.net/inemnewwoord.html

[6] Congressman Bob Etheridge was publicly shamed after he was shown on video assaulting two college students: http://www.prisonplanet.com../corporate-media-follows-government-orders-runs-defense-for-etheridge-assault.html

[7] with the FTC recently proposing a “Drudge Tax”: http://www.infowars.com/ftc-backs-off-drudge-tax/

[8] including in the UK: http://www.infowars.net/articles/april2010/080410net.htm

[9] New Zealand: http://www.prisonplanet.com../government-internet-censorship-begins-in-stealth-in-new-zealand.html

[10] Australia: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1995615,00.html

[11] We have extensively covered efforts to scrap the internet as we know it: http://www.infowars.net/articles/april2007/170407internet.htm

Original post: http://www.prisonplanet.com/new-bill-gives-obama-kill-switch-to-shut-down-the-internet.html

Read the bill: There is a link in the story but in case they move it, it’s also here: cyberbill

For me, this book not only affirmed many of my long-held beliefs, but it also rekindled the importance of addressing (and the danger of ignoring) certain disciplines that I was introduced to early on — especially one particular watershed event that occurred in 2000.

MacDonald begins with two key insights around which he builds the remainder of the book. He notes that modern Christian culture doesn’t easily discriminate “between a person of spiritual depth and a person of raw talent.” As a result, “more than a few people can be fooled into thinking they are being influenced by a spiritual giant when in fact they are being manipulated by a dwarf.”

MacDonald writes that he determined to live his life based on discipline and intentionality, seeking to be led by calling. He spends the bulk of the book discussing the topics of our motivation, use of time, wisdom and knowledge, spiritual strength and restoration.

There are so many nuggets of wisdom and insight, I hesitate to attempt a list. But one particular topic floored me as I read it.

In the section on spiritual strength, MacDonald addresses the importance of having “order in the garden,” which is essentially a thriving inner life, centered on Christ. It’s in one of these chapters that he mentions what was one of the most liberating and life-changing “discoveries” for me in the summer of 2000 — silence and solitude.

He even mentions one of the influential authors that led me to that defining discovery — Henri Nouwen. This life-changing  event was so dramatic for me that when I was asked to bring the morning message to the church we were attending at the time, I had no other topic to discuss. And I pegged it all off of Nowen’s “Out of Solitude,” along with Chuck Swindoll’s “Intimacy with the Almighty.”

For me, that journey culminated with a four day guided silent retreat led by Fil Anderson of Journey Resources. I suppose that it began months prior –  for I had been reading Nouwen and Swindoll on the subject. But beyond a sermon topic, I was consumed by the importance of silence and solitude. For at least a year, any time I had to give a devotion or a talk, that was usually my subject. If not addressed directly, I always seemed to find a way to tie it in.

I suppose that the subject of silence and solitude has too many “no-brainers” not to have similarities across messages, but MacDonald writes, “We are so accustomed to noise that we grow restless with out it. Worshipers in a congregation find it difficult to sit in quietness for more than a minute or two; we assume that something has gone wrong…”

That sounds like it came straight from my own message! There were a few other instances I read in his book that sounded like what I thought were my own keen insights. Nevertheless, I do take solace in the fact that In 2000 I was reaching the same conclusions MacDonald did so many years before.

At the risk of appearing like I’m tooting my own horn, you can listen to that sermon here. I find that I  still go back and listen to it from time to time. It’s one of those messages that it seems I need to be reminded of consistently.

I am truly grateful to have been introduced to this book. It comes to my life at a time when I have let some weeds enter the garden, so to speak. It also helps remind me that while I used to live a very intentional and disciplined life, I cannot ride the wave of “used to” and if I desire fruit now, I must continue to be diligent in these pursuits.

Success exposes a man to the pressures of people and thus tempts him to hold on to his gains by means of fleshly methods and practices, and to let himself be ruled wholly by the dictatorial demands of incessant expansion. Success can go to my head and will unless I remember that it is God who accomplishes the work, that he can continue to do so without my help, and that he will be able to make out with other means whenever he wants to cut me out.

The whole thing (http://72.167.116.251/messages/2010/ReallyShortStories/ConstructionOfStory.mp3)  was pretty powerful, but I was especially gripped by the back story of the Tin Man. I’ve included two links below. I pulled the one that I heard and a version from a different time slot. They both are very good and highlight certain aspects slightly differently so listen to both.

Tin Man Illustration

http://share.systemtrends.net/tinman/Tinman_storyfb.mp3 (Flowery Branch version that I saw) 3:18 I think

http://share.systemtrends.net/TinMan/Tinman_story.mp3 (the other one that you should also listen to) 2:27

How often do we start out with a noble pursuit for our family or a ministry, but end up so consumed with the process or the work that it becomes the end and we lose perspective? If not checked we’ll work harder and harder until one day we’ll find ourselves rusted and alone – heartless even to the point of casting off the very people or reasons why we even started out in the first place. It’s really powerful.

The pastor ties it in to how many people will rely on the “acts of their ax,” the work they can accomplish in spiritual terms, to make themselves right with God. But I was really affected by this illustration and thought that you might enjoy it too.

As an aside, there is a short film coming out based on the Tin Man’s story called Heartless. You can watch the trailer here (http://screenrant.com/heartless-story-of-the-tinman-trailer-pauly-46928/) and if you are interested in reading this section of the book you can find it here (http://www.literature.org/authors/baum-l-frank/the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz/chapter-05.html).

One of the last scenes in the movie has Wayne and Jim discussing the meaning of what transpired. For some reason, I was struck by Jim’s perspective. Here’s the exchange.

Wayne: Jim, why was I supposed to put on this concert?
Jim: Because you had to learn that it doesn’t matter what you do, Cassandra loves you for who you are and that, being an adult means facing responsibility yet still taking the time to have fun.
Wayne: Right, its like coming home on Friday night and doing your homework right away so that your Saturday night is free to just party.
Jim: No I like the way I said it better.
Wayne: OK.

How true. “…being an adult means facing responsibility yet still taking the time to have fun.”

I’ve been feeling the load lately of “responsibility” and though I certainly don’t shy away from working hard, I tend to forget the last part of Jim’s advice, taking the time to have fun.

It’s amazing how God uses such inconsequential events (like a scene from Wayne’s World 2) to remind us of quite important matters like balance, margin and rose sniffing.

An Angel says, ‘Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn’t happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.’

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19 Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good ‘Thank you Jesus.’

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego.

33 Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’
(Romans 8:31)

Not only does this apply to mothers, but to those laboring in God’s service in those “invisible” places as well. Invisible Mother…..

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I’m on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I’m thinking, ‘Can’t you see I’m on the phone?’

Obviously not; no one can see if I’m on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I’m invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this ? Can you tie this? Can you open this??

Some days I’m not a pair of hands; I’m not even a human being. I’m a clock to ask, ‘What time is it?’ I’m a satellite guide to answer, ‘What number is the Disney Channel?’ I’m a car to order, ‘Right around 5:30, please.’

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude – but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She’s going, she’s going, she’s gone!?

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, ‘I brought you this.’ It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn’t exactly sure why she’d given it to me until I read her inscription: ‘To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.’

In the days ahead I would read – no, devour – the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals – we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, ‘Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it. And the workman replied, ‘Because God sees.

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, ‘I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you’ve done, no sequin you’ve sewn on, no cupcake you’ve baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can’t see right now what it will become.

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don’t want my son to tell the friend he’s bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, ‘My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.’ That would mean I’d built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, ‘You’re gonna love it there.’

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we’re doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great Job, MOM!

The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you. This is beautiful and makes a ton of sense.. To all the wonderful mothers out there.