Free Republic

Afforess writes "'Proxy servers are an everyday part of Internet surfing. But using one in a crime could soon lead to more time in the clink,' reports the Associated Press. The new federal rules would make the use of proxy servers count as 'sophistication' in a crime, leading to 25% longer jail sentences. Privacy advocates complain this will disincentivize privacy and anonymity online. '[The government is telling people] ... if you take normal steps to protect your privacy, we're going to view you as a more sophisticated criminal,' writes the Center for Democracy and Technology. Others fear this may lead...

The people of Liechtenstein went to the polls yesterday to decide whether their ruling prince should become Europe's last absolute monarch, after a bitter campaign that shattered the Alpine calm with threats, insults and a dead cat. The referendum is the climax of a 10-year row between Prince Hans-Adam II, a billionaire entrepreneur who owns the largest bank in the tiny state, and his political foes. Mud-slinging and intimidation has divided families and friends. Many fear the peace and tranquility of their affluent, 62-square-mile tax haven squeezed between Switzerland and Austria has been shattered for ever. The 58-year-old prince, a...