ReadersandMe

This is where we explain the purpose of blogs like this one. I received the following e-mail comment from Eddy Dockett, who states that he is anonymous.

“What a load of nonsense. RIPA doesn’t provide any new powers, it just regulates the provision of the old ones (duh- it’s called the REGULATION of Investigatory Powers).
Councils already had the power to watch someone if they thought they were committing a criminal act, and benefit fraud is a criminal act which costs the UK millions. RIPA actually serves to add accountability and oversight to these powers, hence the creation of the Surveillance Commissioners.
Looks to me like you haven't read the legislation, just the papers. Well Tony, how very creative of you. I'm not surprised you list one of your favourite books at the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations- you obviously get a kick out of regurgitating other peoples' words. Lazy.
And humour? I’ve read funnier parking tickets.
Eddy Dockett”

I did read the legislation and the officially released papers. I believe that these powers are an abuse of our freedom, and their use in the circumstances outlined only serves to deepen that abuse.

No one disputes that there are benefit fraudsters and that this scourge must be combated. What we are contesting is whether the RIPA legislation and its employment are necessary for the whole of our society to combat this comparatively tiny problem in a small part of it.

This blog exists, primarily, for me to air my views without censorship, control or editing from others. To achieve this wonderful goal I forfeit some income, but it still feels worthwhile to me.

I am taking the time to explain this today because the humorless and “anonymous” Eddy, who has taken a major dislike to me, my views and even my taste in books attacked the blog yesterday.

The specific he attacked was, as you can witness, my piece on the RIPA legislation and its use. I include an excerpt of the offending article because I’m astonished that of all my writing this is what upset this reader.

“Today we can explore an inexplicable contradiction. On the one hand there is the media uproar about Google Earth and their unfolding photo mapping of every one of our streets.

On the other hand there are the local councils using the RIPA laws to enforce laws it was never intended for. I don’t understand why people are upset about a mapping picture of their home but are not upset about someone spying on their lives.

RIPA is the name of the British law designed to help counter terrorism. According to the Home Office arm of the British Government The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 to give it the full name legislates for using methods of surveillance and information gathering to help the prevention of crime, including terrorism.”

I stand by every word of the article.

Occasionally you get attacked by the odd, usually anonymous e mailer as I did today. He didn’t like the RIPA article and thought it wasn’t humorous.

Sometimes I don’t even try to be humorous, and sometimes, it just isn’t appropriate. From reading your e-mail Eddy I get the impression you don’t have much of a sense of humor yourself.

Mr. Dockett also attacks my profile’s stated taste in books of quotations. I’m sorry if this offends you, but perhaps you could learn something of wisdom by reading the wit of others that preceded us.

I can only recommend that, if what I write upsets you, don’t read it.