Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Pastimes : Clown-Free Zone... sorry, no clowns allowed -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: patron_anejo_por_favor who wrote (252640)	7/28/2003 5:17:22 PM
From: yard_man	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 436258

what rally is unravelling <vbg>

To: patron_anejo_por_favor who wrote (252640)	7/28/2003 6:04:39 PM
From: RealMuLan	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 436258

Defense Dept. Program Taking Terror Bets Program Models 'Futures' Markets POSTED: 3:20 p.m. EDT July 28, 2003 A new Department of Defense program allows traders to bet on the likelihood of future terrorist attacks. The department's "Defense Advanced Research Project Agency" designed what it calls the "The Policy Analysis Market." The program works much like the financial markets where traders buy and sell "futures" based on the possibility of a specific event in the Middle East, 11 News reported. Some of the examples listed on the agency's Web site include the assassination of Palestinian leader Yassar Arafat and a missile attack by North Korea. Bidders would profit if the events for which they hold futures occur. Defense officials said the market-based system is highly accurate when assessing such things as political and civil stability, economic health and military disposition of Middle East countries. Participants would only have to pick a username and password to participate and the agency said it won't have access to their identities or funds. But critics said this allows terrorists who are planning an attack to profit on the assault or even make false bets to mislead authorities. Members of Congress said the market idea is not only wasteful, but repugnant. "I think this is unbelievably stupid. That is a gentle thing to say about a program that is so devoid of value," Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-North Dakota, said. "It combines the worst of all our values in my judgment. It's a tragic waste of taxpayer money. It will be totally offensive to almost everyone." "[The] idea of a federal betting parlor on atrocities and terrorism is ridicules and grotesque," Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, said. "The bizarre plan we are describing today is a waste of taxpayer money and it needs to stop immediately. The program's intent is clear: the federal government is encouraging people to bet on and make money from atrocities and terrorist attacks." Registration for the site begins Friday and will be limited to the first 1,000 traders. Actual trading will begin Sept. 1 and the Department of Defense plans to open the site to 10,000 traders by Jan. 1, 2004. Stay with TheWBALChannel.com and WBAL-TV 11 News for the latest news updates. thewbalchannel.com

To: patron_anejo_por_favor who wrote (252640)	7/28/2003 7:40:59 PM
From: mishedlo	Read Replies (4) \| Respond to of 436258

Isn't this against the Geneva Convention? "Col. David Hogg, commander of the 2nd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, said tougher methods are being used to gather the intelligence. On Wednesday night, he said, his troops picked up the wife and daughter of an Iraqi lieutenant general. They left a note: "If you want your family released, turn yourself in." Such tactics are justified, he said, because, "It's an intelligence operation with detainees, and these people have info." They would have been released in due course, he added later." washingtonpost.com If we can do it then "they" can do it. This administration is guilty of so much stuff it makes me want to puke. Bush and his rightwing thugs have set themselves up to be judge, jury, and executioner of what is right and just. I take that back. He has promoted himself to be "God". I proposed this in January when it was less clear. For a "conservative" government, why the F are we losing our rights more and more every day. This crap should scare every US citizen half to death. If some country did this to us, Rummy would want to nuke em. We get away with this horsesh*t just because "might makes right". I am totally disgusted. How can ANYONE not be disgusted at this? M