# Darrell Issa: This time you've gone too far **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 21, 2012, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388 "2012-10-21T06:13:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/81 "2014-01-14T18:38:57Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > There’s absolutely nothing in the article the idiot posted that in any way indicates that Issa “compromised the security” of the web site, or even that he was accused of doing so. But the moron persists in his stupidity. **Terr** wins. **JSTL** is sentenced to three days’ hard labor in Issa’s car alarm factory. ---
**Author:** ![Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/budget_player_cadet/32/205_2.png) [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/82 "2014-01-14T19:56:45Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > Wow, so much verbiage, and all instead of saying “I was wrong”. Yes, because as we all know, you are _so good_ at admitting when you’re wrong. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/83 "2014-01-14T20:12:07Z")
He may have stumbled onto a point this time, or was fed one by his sources. But, yeah, if that quote is accurate, then Issa is not guilty on this particular occasion. Might be a sign of the End Times. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_stamos_left_ear/32/3198_2.png) [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/84 "2014-01-14T21:24:00Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > You’re both idiots. Try actually addressing the information Issa shared and explain _why_ it is or isn’t a threat to security. Or shut up. I did. You want me to go to the media about how you left your front door unlocked? Let me know how secure you feel. I wouldn’t feel secure if someone did that. And that’s what Darrell Issa did. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/85 "2014-01-14T23:36:41Z")
That’s not what happened here, and even if it was you massively overstated your case. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_stamos_left_ear/32/3198_2.png) [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/86 "2014-01-14T23:48:38Z")
It’s exactly what happened here. Darrell Issa’s quote: > [@](#): > > He suggested to CBS that the [healthcare.gov](http://healthcare.gov) website exposed virtually the entire government to hacking. “Remember, Sharyl, this is not about your application being compromised. This is a system, exchange and portal, that lets me go into the Department of Homeland Security, lets me go into the IRS … Social Security. Think about what’s at Social Security, what’s at IRS, what’s at Department of Homeland Security. That’s the vulnerability.” And Rep. Elijah Cummings, who is not known for being overly partisan, agrees with me, apparently: > [@](#): > > The move drew a harsh response from Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), ranking member on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. He blasted Issa for being “reckless” with sensitive data. > > “Chairman Issa’s letter cherry-picks from the documents, mischaracterizes the status of the website, and appears inconsistent with the House Parliamentarian’s longstanding interpretation and guidance relating to Committee documents,” Cummings said in a statement. “The Chairman’s actions are a reckless and transparent attempt to frighten Americans away from the [Heathcare.gov](http://Heathcare.gov) website and deny them health insurance to which they are entitled.” And you didn’t answer my question. I’ll ask it again: Would you consider yourself secure if I told the world that you left your front door unlocked? ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2014, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/87 "2014-01-14T23:52:38Z")
> [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](#): > > And Rep. Elijah Cummings, who is not known for being overly partisan, agrees with me, apparently. More idiotic doubling down. 1. Saying that Cummings is not partisan is a joke, right? 2. Read his quote. Can you point which part of that quote says that Issa in any way “compromised” the website’s security? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_stamos_left_ear/32/3198_2.png) [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/88 "2014-01-15T00:00:33Z")
Elijah Cummings is a fairly liberal Democrat. That doesn’t mean that he is some wing nut who screams about the horrible Republicans all the time. You have him mistaken for extremists on the other side. His quote: What do you think he meant when he said that Issa “mischaracterizes the status of the website” exactly? Do you think that maybe it’s how he took into question how secure the website was? No, you probably don’t. But a normal, rational person who understands that is exactly what Issa did probably wound understand. Because even if the website had security problems (it doesn’t, but that’s what Issa presented) - what is the responsible thing to do: Deal with this in private or scream about it for all to hear? And which way of handling that seems less likely to open the website up to attacks? But by all means, keep doubling down on the derp. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/89 "2014-01-15T00:02:10Z")
> [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](#): > > It’s exactly what happened here. Darrell Issa’s quote:And Rep. Elijah Cummings, who is not known for being overly partisan, agrees with me, apparently:And you didn’t answer my question. I’ll ask it again: Would you consider yourself secure if I told the world that you left your front door unlocked? Cummings’ actual words have nothing to do with sensitive data. The article is inaccurate, and you failed to recognize that. Cummings’ complaint is that the security issues Issa points to are overblown, which may or may not be true. And to answer your question, no. But as I said, it’s a terrible metaphor. This is more akin to you telling the world that it’s _possible_ to break into my house. Which is clearly true. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/90 "2014-01-15T00:03:38Z")
> [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](#): > > His quote: What do you think he meant when he said that Issa “mischaracterizes the status of the website” exactly? Do you think that maybe it’s how he took into question how secure the website was? Wow. That’s what you’re trying to hang your hat on? Let’s see: Cummings: Issa mischaracterizes the status of the website. **JSLE** , in hysterics: Oh, no, that means Issa is compromising the security of [healthcare.gov](http://healthcare.gov)! You’re an idiot. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/91 "2014-01-15T00:08:34Z")
In fact, Cummings’ response basically establishes the opposite of what you think it does; Cummings is arguing that Issa is _overstating_ the vulnerability of the site, rather than pointing out actual vulnerabilities. I am not exactly a fan of Issa. I think he’s a grandstanding asshole who has done more than anyone to kill the dignity of Congress and the rule of reason. But this criticism is stupid. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_stamos_left_ear/32/3198_2.png) [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/92 "2014-01-15T00:21:14Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > And to answer your question, no. But as I said, it’s a terrible metaphor. This is more akin to you telling the world that it’s _possible_ to break into my house. Which is clearly true. Um… the exact thing that Issa leaked was that “A top [HealthCare.gov](http://HealthCare.gov) security officer told Congress there have been two, serious high-risk findings since the website’s launch.” If you put that closer to “it’s possible to break into this house” rather than what I posited, then you’re even dumber than Issa is. Because what was the point of Issa leaking partial information if it wasn’t going to to be as scary as possible? The dude specifically cherry-picked stuff to make it scary-sounding. It was all bullshit, of course, but if you don’t think that calling into question the security of something publicly does not in any way compromise that security, there’s no use continuing to discuss this. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_stamos_left_ear/32/3198_2.png) [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/93 "2014-01-15T00:27:55Z")
And then there’s this interpretation from some media sources to what Issa leaked: > [@](#): > > [Security holes found in HealthCare.gov](http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20131221/NEWS02/712219925) But a “security hole” is nothing like an unlocked door, right? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/94 "2014-01-15T02:37:06Z")
Well, now, maybe not. I think the accusation flatters Issa’s intelligence, would he actually know such codes if he saw them? Anybody have any reason to think Issa is computer savvy, to the extent that he has any actual working knowledge about security codes? Would he know one if it bit him? I’m just guessing here, thinking anybody that ugly cannot be very smart, but I’m thinking no. I’m thinking his e-mail ends in .AOL and he browses porn with Explorer. Further, why should he bother, his intent is clear, he wants to fuck over Obamacare any way he can, as his Dark Lord has instructed. Why trouble oneself with complex sabotage that might leave fingerprints when he can gain the same end by insinuation and suggestion? Why should he go to the trouble to make his accusations true, when mere slander will suffice? ---
**Author:** ![Karrius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/71c47a/32.png) [@Karrius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karrius)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/95 "2014-01-15T03:23:43Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > Your original post that I responded to could be charitably called a mistake. Since you’re persisting in your stupidity, the charity doesn’t apply anymore. You’re a biased idiot. So says the person who knowingly spreads lies in GQ. Don’t you have any shame, at all? Oh, wait, conservative! Sorry, I forgot. Keep it up - every time you post, you make Der Trihs look like he’s being generous and charitable towards your kind. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_stamos_left_ear/32/3198_2.png) [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/96 "2014-01-15T11:41:19Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Well, now, maybe not. I think the accusation flatters Issa’s intelligence, would he actually know such codes if he saw them? I never said he leaked codes. I said he compromised the website’s security. I never said Issa gave anyone the key to the door. I said he publicized that the door was unlocked. I will concede that giving out codes would have been worse but that doesn’t mean what he did was benign. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/97 "2014-01-15T11:53:23Z")
Pardon me for a moment while I take this metaphor outside and shoot it. \ There. Now let’s move on. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_stamos_left_ear/32/3198_2.png) [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/98 "2014-01-15T12:06:56Z")
I’m sick of saying it too, but that doesn’t make in inaccurate. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2014, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/99 "2014-01-15T14:06:50Z")
> [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](#): > > And then there’s this interpretation from some media sources to what Issa leaked:But a “security hole” is nothing like an unlocked door, right? :rolleyes: Why aren’t you blasting Teresa Fryer, exactly? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_stamos_left_ear/32/3198_2.png) [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2014, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388/100 "2014-01-16T08:16:19Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Why aren’t you blasting Teresa Fryer, exactly? Because she “revealed the findings when she was interviewed Tuesday behind closed doors by House Oversight Committee officials.” ([CBS News](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/high-security-risks-found-after-healthcaregov-launch/)) Which is a lot different than running to the media with it. Or do you disagree with that as well? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/darrell-issa-this-time-youve-gone-too-far/638388.md?page=6)