apple jockey

It is our governments decision whether to track and register individuals. My expectation and hope is that the intelligence authorities within our government will soberly evaluate such a regressive plan.

Corporations, businesses and individuals pay taxes for this service. They should not be made to take part in a Big Brother operation. Unless, national security needs are displayed and proper checks and balances have been established. Thus far the jury is out on the value of such a program, in  light of previous attempts such as the Japanese internment camps and the lack of value and damage it did to our reputation as a beacon of freedom and democracy.

i am glad to know that these important companies put privacy and personal freedom ahead of some people's wrong headed and jingoistic plans to satiate our need to be protected from 'the others'.

apple ][ said:

This is a great change!

Not that it ever stopped me from posting, but I actually had more dislikes than likes!

Certain posters would constantly go and dislike any and all of my posts, just because they were from me. It hardly made a difference what I wrote.

I could post a factual quote from an encyclopedia, and Boom! Automatic dislike from one of the usual crowd!

Not anymore!

Now posters have only 4 choices when it comes to my posts! They can either ignore it, or they can like it, or they can funny it or they can find it informative!

Sounds good to me!

Or be censored like me! But, only the outrageous righty fanatics are allowed to prevail, those that stick up for good are held to a different standard than you and your buddies.

I have been reading and enjoying this website for a few years. Thanks to everyone for your effort in this informative entertainment.

Here are my two cents on a couple of issues brought up here.
a.) So called trolls. I feel the rhetoric and tone has been moderated considerably in the last few days. Not by accident. We all feel part of this little quasi community, even those with strong views many other disagree with. But when treated with understanding and respect, most people respond in kind. That is what has happened in my estimation. Of course there are people who are strictly disrupters, these types, just need to be bored away, there are plenty other more enjoyable place to wreak their havoc. I honestly don't sense much of that in the comments I read.  A credit to the screeners, moderators and such. Now, the no-nothing's like myself, the elite, Basket of Ignorable's' that is a problem that has been eased, 5-50. LOL
b.) the dislike switch. I think it is a good idea. As someone mentioned, we don't live in a la la land where whatever anyone says, is necessarily at its core OK with everyone. And in truth, most regulars here are mature in themselves and their thought process to not press the dislike switch to be an asshole. They have a grounded reason for making that choice, and the others among us who get dinged from time to time understand that 'those things happen as you travel west'. It helps to moderate the thought, but it would never restrain a reasoned response to a crucial issue needing to be addressed.

So Harambe say, trolls good, dislike button good. Ugh 

If the meeting President Elect Trump had with network executives last month is indicative of the way he intends to begin relations with Silicon Valley, he will have learned nothing from the earlier backlash and Constitutional embarrassment of his illiberal ways.

unlike with the press, which in his mind and those of his adherents, he has free reign to bully, in many ways Silicon Valley is the cutting edge of technology, and an economic growth engine. This is not something to be taken for granted. It is to be revered and protected, like the press!

my guess, he will be friendly and accommodating with FANG and company and least on this initial meeting.

I have the Series 2, I love it and use it daily.

 I must be getting old, I can't see the relevance in such quick advertising. You barely get a taste of the theme.

this wouldn't entice me! But I hope it does inspire other would be buyers.