My first post is 19 ..and I haven't left..What is sleep, anyhow?
I have been thinking about this kind of political subterfuge for a very long time. I'm 58 years old, and have been interested in politics since Nixon/Haldeman/Ehrlichman/Coulson/Segretti.
Maybe youremember Ed Muskie breaking down during the 1972 campaign over Segretti-planted false stories in a New Hampshire newspaper that accused Mrs. Muskie of being a heavy smoker and drinker.
It is said that Segretti also forged letters on fake Muskie campaign letterhead, disrupted rallies and fundraising dinners, and spread untrue stories about the sex lives of candidates.
It is also claimed that Segretti smeared George McGovern, George Wallace, Shirley Chisholm, and McGovern's first vice presidential choice, Senator Tom Eagleton.
Segretti did not go on to a high-level White House job -- he was sentenced to six months in federal prison for distributing illegal campaign material.
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Let's face it, political dirty tricks have been going on forever, from all sides.
I'm one of the people who believe it's wise and necessary to fight fire with fire, that sometimes it's needed that good people do "bad things". Unfortunate but true.
So the issues introduced in this thread are the most important in the next years. The question of our internet privacy is a huge one.
I'm technically ignorant on computers, but I hope there are those here at FR who will be successful protecting the integrity of this site.
For one, I am very glad some one FReepmailed me about this article. I don't know why he/she did mail me, but I am glad. This is quite important.