DOJ Elevated Its Charges Against Swartz Because Internet Rallied on His Behalf

This article makes the prosecution sound much more reasonable than other articles I've seen before. "The prosecutor’s response was that it disturbed him whenever a defendant ‘systematically re-victimized’ the victim, and that was what Swartz was doing by dragging MIT through hearings and a trial." The trial must have seemed like a deliberate waste of everyone's resources, when (from the prosecutor's view) Aaron would have been much better off taking the plea bargain since he had already admitted what he had done.

Re: DOJ Elevated Its Charges Against Swartz Because Internet Rallied on His Behalf

#6

Post by flagnog » Tue, Aug 13, 2013, 8:03 PM UTC

so, because someone's feathers got ruffled, they pursued him until he committed suicide. Let that be a lesson boys and girls - don't piss off people in power, bow and scrape like a good little citizen and you will be OK.

Re: DOJ Elevated Its Charges Against Swartz Because Internet Rallied on His Behalf

#7

Post by fiatmoney » Tue, Aug 13, 2013, 8:04 PM UTC

ferdo wrote: post #3

VladRussian2 wrote: post #2

They wanted to send a message. Just like mobsters tripping on power do.

The message seems to be, "If you assert your rights or your innocence, we'll make life very difficult for you. Comply." Pure mobster mentality.

It's worse than that. "If anyone advocates on your behalf, we'll make sure you regret it."

Re: DOJ Elevated Its Charges Against Swartz Because Internet Rallied on His Behalf

#8

Post by flagnog » Tue, Aug 13, 2013, 8:05 PM UTC

sp332 wrote: post #5

This article makes the prosecution sound much more reasonable than other articles I've seen before. "The prosecutor’s response was that it disturbed him whenever a defendant ‘systematically re-victimized’ the victim, and that was what Swartz was doing by dragging MIT through hearings and a trial." The trial must have seemed like a deliberate waste of everyone's resources, when (from the prosecutor's view) Aaron would…

nope, it doesn't at all - it makes the prosecutor seem like a petulant child - they didn't get what they wanted (Swartz to quietly, meekly give in), so the pulled out the big guns and bullied him until he committed suicide.

Re: DOJ Elevated Its Charges Against Swartz Because Internet Rallied on His Behalf

#9

Post by tareqak » Tue, Aug 13, 2013, 8:06 PM UTC

This story makes me wonder what would have happened if the Watergate scandal would have happened in the age of the Internet. Would the Internet rally in favour of Richard Nixon's impeachment and against his subsequent pardon? Would impeachment proceedings still take place irrespective of the pardon because of massive public support?

Re: DOJ Elevated Its Charges Against Swartz Because Internet Rallied on His Behalf

#10

Post by r00fus » Tue, Aug 13, 2013, 8:17 PM UTC

tareqak wrote: post #9

This story makes me wonder what would have happened if the Watergate scandal would have happened in the age of the Internet. Would the Internet rally in favour of Richard Nixon's impeachment and against his subsequent pardon? Would impeachment proceedings still take place irrespective of the pardon because of massive public support?

The Internet is orthogonal to the issue (probably), the fact is that the US GOvernment is completely corrupt and captured now, from the highest levels to the lowest.

The corporate capture has left the wealthy and powerful above the law, if they're just willing to join the corruption scheme.

In short, the US is swiftly becoming a 3rd world country when it comes to equality of income and fairness of justice, and this is especially the case if someone like Aaron Swartz is looking to really rock the boat… they become the examples hung in plaza so everyone else meekly complies.