The issue of computer "hacking" is one that politicians and those in government just can’t seem to get their brains wrapped around. About eight months ago, Barnes & Noble pulled an issue of "Linux Format" magazine from U.S. shelves after complaints were made by some in the U.S. government over the topic of the issue’s cover story. That cover story addressed the topic of hacking.
But, just a few weeks ago, the White House announced a "National Day of Civic Hacking" that was broadcast by PCWorld. The official announcement reads, "Civic Hacking Day is an opportunity for software developers, technologists, and entrepreneurs to unleash their can-do American spirit by collaboratively harnessing publicly-released data and code to create innovative solutions for problems that affect Americans."
Also noted in the announcement: "While civic hacking communities have long worked to improve our country and the world, this summer will mark the first time local developers from across the Nation unite around the shared mission of addressing and solving challenges relevant to OUR blocks, OUR neighborhoods, OUR cities, OUR states, and OUR country." Of course, those who may actual engage in such an activity aren’t really buying the rubbish. Some choice comments from some of the bright hackers out there included a bitter diatribe from Slashdot blogger "hairyfeet", who noted:
"After Swartz? What are you, nuts? This regime has taken every single bad thing about the Bush years and extended it or even expanded it, and we're supposed to buy this 'civic hacking' nonsense? All this is some PHB in the executive office using that word because he heard it somewhere and has NO clue what it means but it has 'civic' in it, so it MUST be good, right? I mean, you read the release and it's like diarrhea of the mouth, just a giant pile of 'buzzword bingo' that frankly isn't saying a damned thing. I'm sorry, but if this administration said it was raining, I'd want a second opinion." So there you have it…straight from someone who actually knows better.
But, just a few weeks ago, the White House announced a "National Day of Civic Hacking" that was broadcast by PCWorld. The official announcement reads, "Civic Hacking Day is an opportunity for software developers, technologists, and entrepreneurs to unleash their can-do American spirit by collaboratively harnessing publicly-released data and code to create innovative solutions for problems that affect Americans."
Also noted in the announcement: "While civic hacking communities have long worked to improve our country and the world, this summer will mark the first time local developers from across the Nation unite around the shared mission of addressing and solving challenges relevant to OUR blocks, OUR neighborhoods, OUR cities, OUR states, and OUR country." Of course, those who may actual engage in such an activity aren’t really buying the rubbish. Some choice comments from some of the bright hackers out there included a bitter diatribe from Slashdot blogger "hairyfeet", who noted:
"After Swartz? What are you, nuts? This regime has taken every single bad thing about the Bush years and extended it or even expanded it, and we're supposed to buy this 'civic hacking' nonsense? All this is some PHB in the executive office using that word because he heard it somewhere and has NO clue what it means but it has 'civic' in it, so it MUST be good, right? I mean, you read the release and it's like diarrhea of the mouth, just a giant pile of 'buzzword bingo' that frankly isn't saying a damned thing. I'm sorry, but if this administration said it was raining, I'd want a second opinion." So there you have it…straight from someone who actually knows better.
