Researchers: Digital encryption standard flawed

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Odds are...

...if someone can't pin this on Microsoft, Microsoft will either be blamed just for following this standard or for some other totally un-related issue. Either that, or someone will stalk No_Ax_to_Grind again.

Here's the connection: The NSA is quoted in the article, and everyone knows the NSA and Microsoft are in bed together -- after all, weren't the initials 'NSA' found buried somewhere in Windows code? Therefore, Microsoft must be behind this. Ta da!

Let's see if we can anticipate the various other lines of 'discussion':

1. This isn't important since the standard is outdated anyway and everyone (except MS, of course) has moved on to something newer. This is the standard 'evil RIAA/MPAA' response to crackdowns on P2P sites and copyright infringers.

2. This isn't important since only Windows is susceptible, and everyone of importance is running Linux/OSX (take your pick). This is a combination of the 'many eyes means no flaws' argument with the 'Windows is doomed' prediction.

3. Linux/OSX (take your pick) is superior to Windows. This is the standard 'my OS can beat up your OS' argument.

4. Windows users deserve whatever they get. This is the 'collateral damage' justification, and works well in terrorist attacks too.

5. Microsoft is the biggest criminal organization in history, and Bill Gates is a megalomaniac bent on world domination. This is the 'putting someone out of business is equivalent to mob whacks' argument combined with the classic 'doesn't know history' syndrome.

The last three are totally irrelevant of course, but regrettably inevitable. After all, it's the primary job of most talkback posters to denigrate Microsoft and Bill Gates at every opportunity. Isn't that what they were hired for?

Oh, and of course the obligatory:

6. The Republicans stole the last two elections.

Did I miss anything?

Carl Rapson

Posted by: rapson   Posted on: 02/17/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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