Homeland Insecurity
Feb 8th, 2008 by Eats Wombats
A few days ago The Atlantic Monthly opened its archive to web traffic. It’s one of my favourite American publications, along with The New Yorker. As result I can point you to something that you will enjoy. It will also make you a wise, entertaining and well informed dinner party guest. Well, on at least one popular subject.
My affection for The Atlantic and the New Yorker is twofold.
First, the articles. I have particularly enjoyed the writing of James Fallows in the Atlantic. The New Yorker’s design, cartoons and typography exude class and elegance in ways that make simply picking the thing up a pleasurable experience for those with familiarity-seeking endorphins.
Second, association. When, as a penniless student, I pitched up in an attic or a summer cottage with back issues and a little time on my hands… I discovered the true meaning of the word luxury. I have read the New Yorker in some very unexpected places, from a lighthouse to a garret. Anywhere but the Big Apple. I was too young and too close to the edge when I lived there to have time for it.
I am about to share with you one of the finest articles I have enjoyed in recent years.
It isn’t just well written, true and entertaining, it’s of enduring importance. It could usefully be required reading for elected representatives in every democracy, as well as for informed voters. If you’ve ever been to a dinner party at which security, spam, 419 fraud, phishing, ID cards, cryptography, the surveillance society, bugging of MPs etc. has been discussed then you’ll have heard a lot of nonsense on the subject of security.
What truly matters, and is not generally appreciated, is this:
Technology by itself is not enough to guarantee security, and it never will be.
Read Homeland Insecurity by Charles Mann.
