2005-10-26

Jonathan Swift on DDoS

Jonathan Swift in the "Drapier's Letters" back in 1724, writing on what is now called distributed denial of service:

It is true, indeed, that, within the memory of man, the parliaments of England have sometimes assumed the power of binding this kingdom [Ireland] by laws enacted there; wherein they were at first openly opposed (as far as truth, reason, and justice are capable of opposing) by the famous Mr. Molyneux, an English gentleman born here, as well as by several of the greatest patriots and best whigs in England; but the love and torrent of power prevailed.

Indeed the arguments on both sides were invincible. For, in reason, all government without the consent of the governed, is the very definition of slavery: but, in fact, eleven men well armed will certainly subdue one single man in his shirt. But I have done; for those who have used power to cramp liberty, have gone so far as to resent even the liberty of complaining: although a man upon the rack was never known to be refused the liberty of roaring as loud as he thought fit.

Historical note: it was on this precedent that the American colonies founded their claim not to be governed by the English Parliament; they gave evidence of their refusal by dumping taxable tea into Boston Harbor.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Historical note: it was on this precedent that the American colonies founded their claim not to be governed by the English Parliament; they gave evidence of their refusal by dumping taxable tea into Boston Harbor.

Actually, the "Boston Tea Party" occurred after a tax cut. The people who dumped the tea were actually Boston's wealthy smugglers: they were upset because since the price of tea was going down they would lose out. Their smuggled goods (which used to be less expensive than the 'official' stuff) would no longer be in as much demand.

Source: chapter two of Niall Ferguson's book Empire.