I have seen a couple of examples of UK PM David Cameron commenting prematurely on issues that he hasn't fully researched or understood, and as a result being wholly wrong, then having to back track, and BTW, getting clean away with it. This sort of hair trigger reaction, with out being sure of the facts, fits with Schneier's idea of of irrational revenge thinking in the UK government. Not enough facts, but still acts or pronounces. Its not getting it wrong that is the issue, its the too quick to act or pronounce bit I find significant. I thought it a dangerous sign at the times I saw it.
I have to say, I don't believe the US government had anything to do with initiating the detaining of Miranda. I'm sure they would have been informed, but I suspect their reaction would have probably been something like, "OK if that is what you want to do, fine. Its your country, your laws. We are happy to accept any thing you share as a result". I believe this was a 100% British action, while the US offered no objections. And why should or would the US gov object to it? So, as as far a the US gov is concerned in this specific action; fair enough, I say.
What I think Schneier is missing is the British pathological need to be the USA's BFF (For grown ups: Best Friends Forever). That has always been the vibe here in the UK, but it became real when a story came out about a message personally given to ex PM Tony Blair as he took office by the UK Ambassador to Washington. IIRC, it came out in the Iraq war inquiry. Blair was simply told essentially this, "With regards to the Americans, crawl as far up their backsides as you can, and make damn sure you stay there". Yes, although that is not a direct quote, the advice was worded in that direct coarse way. Presumably, David Cameron clearly has had the same advice.
Looking back, it seems clear to me that we Brits have behaved thus since WW2. And lets face it, from a rational cold UK POV, it is probably the right advice. If you cant be the big man, have one as your best buddy. And, didn't the UK owe the US a few dollars to rebuild after WW2? Im sure it was the case prior to WW2, but WW2 cemented it.
On the surface, all fair enough, really. But, in extremes like the Snowden affair or post 9/11, it seems obvious to me how this relationship can get very out of hand, and how invisible pressure can influence people in to dangerous areas. I suggest it happened to Blair, its now happening to Cameron.
So, I kinda agree with what Schneier is saying, but I think its more to do with proving UK worth to the US government than pure desperate revenge. A British sacrifice on the alter of the US government, given willingly and freely, as a very keen junior partner.
Comments
I have seen a couple of examples of UK PM David Cameron commenting prematurely on issues that he hasn't fully researched or understood, and as a result being wholly wrong, then having to back track, and BTW, getting clean away with it. This sort of hair trigger reaction, with out being sure of the facts, fits with Schneier's idea of of irrational revenge thinking in the UK government. Not enough facts, but still acts or pronounces. Its not getting it wrong that is the issue, its the too quick to act or pronounce bit I find significant. I thought it a dangerous sign at the times I saw it.
I have to say, I don't believe the US government had anything to do with initiating the detaining of Miranda. I'm sure they would have been informed, but I suspect their reaction would have probably been something like, "OK if that is what you want to do, fine. Its your country, your laws. We are happy to accept any thing you share as a result". I believe this was a 100% British action, while the US offered no objections. And why should or would the US gov object to it? So, as as far a the US gov is concerned in this specific action; fair enough, I say.
What I think Schneier is missing is the British pathological need to be the USA's BFF (For grown ups: Best Friends Forever). That has always been the vibe here in the UK, but it became real when a story came out about a message personally given to ex PM Tony Blair as he took office by the UK Ambassador to Washington. IIRC, it came out in the Iraq war inquiry. Blair was simply told essentially this, "With regards to the Americans, crawl as far up their backsides as you can, and make damn sure you stay there". Yes, although that is not a direct quote, the advice was worded in that direct coarse way. Presumably, David Cameron clearly has had the same advice.
Looking back, it seems clear to me that we Brits have behaved thus since WW2. And lets face it, from a rational cold UK POV, it is probably the right advice. If you cant be the big man, have one as your best buddy. And, didn't the UK owe the US a few dollars to rebuild after WW2? Im sure it was the case prior to WW2, but WW2 cemented it.
On the surface, all fair enough, really. But, in extremes like the Snowden affair or post 9/11, it seems obvious to me how this relationship can get very out of hand, and how invisible pressure can influence people in to dangerous areas. I suggest it happened to Blair, its now happening to Cameron.
So, I kinda agree with what Schneier is saying, but I think its more to do with proving UK worth to the US government than pure desperate revenge. A British sacrifice on the alter of the US government, given willingly and freely, as a very keen junior partner.