Another Big First For PolitiDose

In a commentary dated 6/12/15 titled "The Ugly Side Of Technology" this writer explained the perils associated with technology and how security is not keeping up with the ability of hackers to use that same technology to invade personal information on the world wide web.  We now lean that Yahoo just announced that over 550 million of its user accounts had been hacked into and a massive security breakdown took place.

Yahoo reported the stolen data includes users names, email addresses, telephone numbers, birthdates, hashed passwords and the security questions and answers used to verify an account holders identity.  The story was reported in the Times Picayune of 9/23/16.  When a technology company like Yahoo can not protect the privacy of its users that should reinforce the fact that no system is safe.

We know that the federal government's highest security systems have been breached by foreign governments, wikileaks and individuals who obtained secret information and released it to the public.  What has happened renders Hillary Clinton's email issue moot.  The FBI has said there is no indication or evidence hackers broke into her private email server and obtained any information.  If that proves to be false at a later date it won't be near as bad as what has happened on government secured servers.

Everyone knows from published reports and books that have been written that the NSA (National Security Agency) has been tapping into the American people's emails and telephones for years.  The same is done to foreign countries.  Does any one think NSA is the only organization who has technology experts who have that capability.  They exist in civilian life also.

Technology theft has not yet reached its highest level.  The only safe way to use technology is to restrict the use by all concerned.  The personal information that can be obtained from social media is astounding.  As far as government goes, all governments spy on each other from the beginning of time and the use of technology is just another avenue to do so.  Does that really surprise any one?


This commentary written by Joe Lorio

Congress Fails To Provide The Funds To Fight The Zika Virus

The republican controlled congress tried to debate a Zika funding bill with amendments concerning Planned Parenthood and other issues which President Obama said he would veto if passed and the democrats in congress would not let the bill advance.  A stand alone bill to fund Zika should be the priority of the republican controlled congress but once again they seek to attach amendments opposed by the President.  They can not even act on an issue that is an emergency.

And to top it off Louisiana's representatives in congress support the party's position like a bunch of ditto heads.  Mary Landrieu's leadership is missed in congress and it shows.  Steve Scalise is the republicans number three man in the U.S. House and is a major factor why there has been a lack of accomplishments since his party took control of congress almost 2 years ago.

Louisiana's lawmakers in congress can't even get that body to agree on the $2.6 billion package that Governor Edwards asked for the recent flood and that President Obama supported.  Bill Cassidy who defeated Mary Landrieu is lost in the Senate.  He will go with the republican flow of ideology at the expense of the state and its people.

The republican party's inability to draft a stand alone funding bill for Zika which the democrats will support and the President will sign, is a vivid example of how they continue to obstruct needed legislation.  And do not be surprised if they support another government shut down.


This commentary written by Joe Lorio