WikiLeaks and Liberal Democrats

You know, I’ve got to admit, there’s been a lot going on, news wise, hasn’t there … ?

There has, hasn’t there … ?

On top of the on-going WikiLeaks story, here in the UK, we’ve also seen intense protests by students over the governments recent raising of tuition fees. And cutting of university budgets.

Now I’m not sure how I feel personally about that,

Although I do know that my two younger sisters — university graduates, both — wouldn’t be too happy about it, were they both still studying.

What gets me about it … ?

Is simply the fact that the Liberal Democrats — who I voted for at the general election — quite publicly broke a pledge to not do so, were they in government.

Now I know politicians can all too easily be accused of breaking promises.

But I can’t recall Labour or Conservatives being caught so flagrantly with — hoping Councillor Chilvers will forgive me — their pants down.

Way down, in this case.

And can’t help but think that, whatever the rights and wrongs of the student protests*, that many students who’ve peaceably and lawfully protested these changes can be forgiven for voting Labour at the next General Election.

I think they aren’t to blame if they feel betrayed.

«•»

Now, quickly back to WikiLeaks.

One thing that did catch my attention was this article, about how the Hacktivist group, Anonymous, are encouraging people to join what they call a ‘voluntary botnet’.

While the rebellious teen that I was, many years ago, can appreciate the efforts, I have one small question.

Are they stark, raving bonkers … ?

No, seriously … ?

Are they … ?

Questions aside about the legality of the software they’re suggesting people use — something called LOIC — I can’t see any one sensible installing something that hands over control of their machines to someone else.

No matter how laudable the other person’s intentions.

I think I’m going to suggest people sign a petition, instead …

* Lord knows there are rights and wrongs: I’m also thinking the protest organisers were a touch naïve not to realise that vary shades of anarchist protest-hijackers would totter along. I’m also wondering what twit in the Royal Protection Squad let Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall out, without checking on what was going on. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always had the impression that some of our more left-wing brethren use the phrase ‘Royal Family’ as an alternative to ‘target’. And keep handy eggs around. But that’s just me.