I'm sorry, but the author lost me when he claimed the government was keeping a secret database of every Australians genetic code.

That and his warblings about a technology that hasn't even seen the first realistic implementation.

And just to make sure that Paul.L is happy, I am one who will claim that the government has kept the fear level up for political gain. However luddite screamings do not help the issues.

From the article “I can only say that I remember writing my first newspaper article on greenhouse in 1976 or 77, based on a CSIRO report back then, when it was universally regarded as scaremongering.”

And for many, me included, it still is.

I must agree with James Purser, if the secret squirrels are going to reap the benefits of computerising us with nano devices, I only hope they use something better than Microsoft for the operating system.

In the meant time. Get ready for a silicone implant where we rub our forehead against a magnetic scanner to charge to our credit cards (there were some other suggestions for swiping things to read a number but what little decorum I have prevailed).

In the meantime, back to the real world of SQLs and ODBC and a client paying me heaps to perform what Cognos seems unable to achieve.

what's funny about these claims of governments needing secret files on it's citizenry is that the ones who consistently are alarmed have no secrets and will, given the chance yak on endlessly about themselves. Why would anyone want such drivel archived? It's not like they wouldn't tell you all over again if you ever had to really hear.
It's not the file keeping that ought to worry you guys. It's those little communicators everyone had to wear on Star trek that let everyone know where everyone else was at all times. Beam me up Scottie.

A No Wrong Door Policy is the mirror pressing to unlock Pandora’s nanobox, and the ills are peeping out, as well as some benefits.

At regional levels it's a call for Institutional Administrive Reform
toward a Poverty Reduction through Empowerment & Participation in Economic Good Governance.

This must wrangle with the potential impact of the nanocracy on human evolution.

Since civilisation began, and since before the dying forests millions of years ago, and no, we not pointing to Mars or elsewhere, we are pointing to the whole 'Science of Government', the apex of All our minds (see Charles Dickens) that has led us here now.

Earthings are all explorers of new ideas, adventurers, challengers of accepted wisdoms, reformers, liberals, researchers, creators and innovators.

We are ALL at a cross road.

We know it is no good waiting until the technology arrives, entrains and enchains us. It is arriving continuously.

"Which government, which official, which employer can resist the temptations of such power?

As Juvenal, perhaps thinking of the praetorians, remarked “Quis custodet ipsos custodes?”,

"Who guards those selfsame guards"?

Just as Cribbs notes the "overuse or misuse of previous technologies" and the reference to 'safeguards that must be put in place, now, regarding the use of personal data, the reasons it may be aggregated, where it may be aggregated and from and who is allowed access to it.

And this must be 'totally transparent'.

We must balance the ALL sake of our ancient human freedoms and our right to a creative and progressive future.

We must have a clear opportunity to act in advance of a disruptive new technology, to capture its benefits and to avert or limit its dangers.

Anything beyond practical use of surveillance tools is going to impact All.

We need urgent balance.

What will it take to replace the discredited development issues emerging from our conflicts?

How can we overhaull and better manage our united needs for development?

Taking collective action to protect people against poverty and violence is a human issue at the centre of our evolutionary development.

http://www.miacat.com/
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Aye - the lengths the rich and 'powerful' will go to to protect their interests - all in the name of: "for the good of the people".

Things never quite work out how people think - especially when 'manipulation' of others is involved - rather than establishing genuine and sincere agreement. the human soul is far greater than any machine that can be invented - history has always shown us this, in the end.

As the human story has progressed - the number of people willing to speak out against abusive power has risen exponentially. Nothing ever dies, really - only the BAD ideas.

Remember too, there are BILLIONS more 'ordinary' people in the world compared to the very few who would seek to control it for their own selfish interests.

People will agree laws to prevent the use of certain information. People will turn the technology back on those who seek to use it malevolently. For example, corporations which neglect their responsibilities and damage the environment will be exposed. People will learn to turn the cameras on the things which undermine a good society - most especially.... poor leadership.

Those who PLAY with fire - eventually burn themselves.

FASCINATING STUFF..... I find all of you frothing at the mouth about this..but I don't see anyone grasping the theological aspect.. or should I say 'apocalyptic'......

Here is a good laugh for you :) Rev 13

16He (the beast/AntiChrist) also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, 17so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
18This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.

COMMENT.... now.. while the symbolism of Revelation is open to many interpretations.. and I'm not going to come down hard and fast on any particular one, at least this much can be said with certainty.

The technology now available (including the 'biochip' implantable device) is well able to fulfill the level of control referred to in Revelation. Whether the 'beast/antichrist' is an individual a corporation, or whatever.. it does not change the prediction that 'total control' is the goal. Now.. we are seeing this happening before our eyes, and I guess just as good ol Noah was mocked "Noah..DUDE..what the HECK are you doin there mate... building a huggggge ship on dry land ? now come Onnnnn... you are a prize galah arn't you ?"

But then...they heard it.. 'Kaa-booooom....thunder'...... drops of rain......