[SGVLUG] CAcert Web of Trust?

[John E. Kreznar]

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Dustin Laurence <dustin at dogbert.laurences.net> writes:

> Understand why you can be a subversive and still use government ID
> and you understand the web of trust.

Choosing to accept a government ID affirms a relationship with that
government, just as choosing to accept a tax-funded benefit affirms
agreement to be taxed.

Every use of a GPG key which has been certified using government ID is
reaffirmation on the world stage that the holder of that key has given
up her standing as a free individual.

> To exchange encrypted messages with someone, I need an acceptable
> level of confidence that:

>     1. They are who I think they are--I am communicating with the
>     right person.  In other words, identity.

Just keep in mind that who you're communicating with may not be linked
to any particular human body.  GPG is being used every day to maintain
the identity of persistent, reputable pseudonyms who exist only on the
Internet and cannot be traced to any body.  Despite this, they have
lively, mutually rewarding dialogues.  Their correspondents apparently
have "an acceptable level of confidence", because they keep doing it.

> ... [most governments have] a vested interest in identifying and
> tracking people. ... it sure wants to make sure it knows who you are
> and what else you've been up to, yessiree.

And that's the reason to conduct one's life as untraceable pseudonyms,
not connected to any government or body politic.

- -- 
 John E. Kreznar jek at ininx.com 9F1148454619A5F08550 705961A47CC541AFEF13
  According to the dictionary:
  Citizen: A person who owes allegiance to a government, and is entitled
  to protection from it.
  Vassal: One who has placed himself under the protection of another as
  his lord and has vowed homage and fealty.

  So tell me again why I should be a citizen?

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