on 12/27/02 5:39 PM, W3KD@aol.com at W3KD@aol.com wrote:
In a message dated 12/27/2002 1:39:20 PM Eastern Standard Time, sysop@bfdin.com writes:
I can understand the ban on Mitnick not being able to use computers or having internet access during the terms of his probation.
But I don't agree that he shouldn't have been able to renew his amateur license.
Just one more proof that ours is a very wide and diverse group. <grin>
Bill makes an interesting point, assuming that Mitnick didn't use amateur radio to coordinate hacking activities (which I don't recall one way or another). But FCC has in the past taken the position that, because the Communications Act requires FCC to determine that licenses must be issued only to persons with the proper character qualifications to be a licensee, non-FCC related felonies, if adjudicated, and if involving moral turpitude, will adversely affect someone's qualifications to acquire or continue to hold a license (in any service). It was on this basis that KV4FZ was denied renewal in the first place. Mitnick's actions were felonies, and they clearly involved fraud, a crime involving moral turpitude.
You be the judge!
Chris
I agree with Bill, and would have difficulty in equating the erasing or altering of computer files as ³extreme immorality or wickedness² (turpitude), let alone ³moral² turpitude. Let¹s just say what he did was wrong and illegal. Our government tends to go overboard with little provocation in judging and labeling citizens. Fortunately we have a constitution designed to protect us from the excesses of government. 73, Gary KI4LA