The idea for this little rant comes from Jenna. I've been trying to expand on it for a couple weeks now and this is not as together as I'd like -- but either I post it now or it will linger half-done forever.

The past couple of weeks the internet has been all abuzz about some high profile data thefts. Depending on what circles you travel in, you might have only heard of one of them.

At one end of the story, we have Rupert Murdoch. Big time media mogul and manipulator of politics in far too many countries, Rupert's problems have been widely covered (well, in most media outlets not owned by him).

The other side of our tale is Aaron Swartz, 24 year old technology innovator and activist. Aaron is possibly most well known for the invention of the RSS xml syndication standard. You know those blog feeds that are everywhere these days? Well, when Aaron was 13 he wrote the standard that is still in use by all of us.

About the only thing that Aaron and Rupert share in common is they are both in trouble because they are being accused of stealing data.

Rupert most likely stole data from many people to enrich himself and his corporation -- his organization clearly acted without regard for who was hurt in the process. Aaron most likely stole data from one very large corporation to share it for free with many people -- and there's a possibility that what he did was part of a valid research project.

While Rupert can bribe politicians and governments, Aaron has no such clout.

Rupert is still walking around free and un-indited -- Aaron has been charged with numerous felonies, even though the company he is accused of stealing from feels that this issue has been resolved and is not worthy of prosecution.

What is the lesson to be learned from these two overlapping stories? Those with wealth and power can get away with anything and those who's actions reject corporate power will feel the full force of the law.

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Today's photo: