Holy shit, this has actually been such a problem for me in the past. To the point where I actually had "read-only" copies of the db to avoid any corruption or password loss.
I wouldn't say that Rackspace intentionally submits their IP blocks for DNS blacklisting. Consider that on Rackspace's cloud you can build a cloud server and you will get a 'recycled' IP from their block. This IP could had been used by other people for other purposes. You never know who could've used your IP for what purposes. Having those blocks blacklisted makes sense when you think of that.
I'm curious to know why you think it's a really step forward in the presentation world. All I can think of is that stuff moves around the screen all around.
As someone who shares beliefs with FSF's ideals, reading this rant makes me think that maybe there's a chance to bring up another movement with the relative same ideals as Free Software but have a different type of leadership.
I'm from Mexico, and I can tell you what is happening here is worrisome. The death toll during Calderon's presidency is way over the roof. He declared war to the cartel's like no one had ever dared to do. This caused a big uproar because know there's a real problem with trying to keep your safe route of drugs.
I'm also pro legislation (have never consumed anything) and the only thing that worries me more than what is happening right now is that maybe, with legislation, cartel's are going to jump to the next profitable illegal activity they can find (kidnapping, extorsion, whatever). I've lived in the same city all my life, and for the last 2 years, for the first time ever, I don't feel safe anymore. When I see soldiers driving around town with their hummer-esque vehicles, I can't find tranquility.
Reading this article gives me some peace, but I can't find any real assurance that this will stop any soon.