[ale] Re: If you're on Bellsouth DSL, I recommend changing providers.

[Chuck Huber]

Mike Murphy <mike at tyderia.net> wrote:
 > Subject: Re: [ale] If you're on Bellsouth DSL, I recommend changing
 > 	providers.
 > To: Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts <ale at ale.org>
 > Message-ID: <41238303.5030408 at tyderia.net>
 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
 >
 > What's the major problem?

The major problem is the will of the few being imposed on the many.

About a month ago I posted a similar problem with outbound access to 
port 25.  This was not disclosed to me in any way when I singed up.
As a matter of fact, I explicitly asked and was told that there was no 
firewall or filtering between my DSL line and the Internet.  Now I'm to 
understand that they're also blocking inbound access to key ports?

They're really not an Internet Service Provider.  They're more of an
Internet Client Access Provider.  "Oh, we'll give you access to the 
Internet, but only from a client.  No servers allowed."  Now, what's the 
point of getting a static IP address if you're not going to allow 
inbound access?

While these restrictions are lifted for Business DSL customers, you have 
to have a Business Line (1FB) in order to get Business DSL.

* * * * *

But that's still not what this is all about.

BellSouth recently issued a notice to ISP's that use their lines 
(SpeedFactory, EarthLink, etc).  That notice informed the ISP's that the 
courts have ruled that port 25 *may* be blocked, that clients may be 
forced to relay mail through a common server, and that an ISP may copy 
and/or peruse any and all email that passes through their server.

They're using the "spam" excuse as just that - an excuse for something 
that would otherwise be unacceptable.

What it is *truly* about is counter-terrorism and the PATRIOT act. 
They're making it easier for the CIA, the FBI, and other TLA-type 
agencies (three letter acronym) to intercept email.

Why?  Because the ragheads are using the Internet quite successfully in 
their communications.

Is this good?  For some (law enforcement), yes.  For others, no.  I fall 
into the latter group in that I've had to rent a co-lo server just to 
get my domain back up.  For the 99% of all HellSouth users, the only 
impact would be the loss of a liberty.  Does it really bring safety and 
security?  Probably not.  It's yet another way for Big Brother to
monitor you.


Chuck Huber
Duke Pro, Inc.
Office: 828-684-6022
Cell: 404-754-2054
Home: 828-683-7324

--
"The purpose of encryption is to protect good people
from bad people, not to protect bad people from the government."
     -- Scott McNealy, CEO Sun Microsystems
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time
with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
     -- Thomas Jefferson
"If there must be trouble let it be in my day,
that my child may have peace."
     -- Thomas Paine
"The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution,
are worth defending against all hazards: And it is our duty to
defend them against all attacks."
     -- Samuel Adams
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
    safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
     -- Benjamin Franklin