We encountered this interesting man on our trip to Skamania Lodge to receive the ACPE award. Mr. Peters was giving a luncheon talk on cellular phone security. One of the things which makes Mr. Peters so interesting is that he was one of the founders in the Secret Service in investigating computer crimes, such as hacking. We talked to Mr. Peters about his experience with the misuse and future of the internet, and, despite his experience Mr. Peters believes that the Internet will nevertheless remain a quality educational and informational tool.

When asked about hackers, Mr. Peters responded that most people who try to undermine internet security are young males who want to do it just because they can and they are showing off. Oddly enough, when Mr. Peters was a Secret Service agent, he let kids off the first time, only taking away their computers. He believes that it is better to teach a kid what they are doing wrong rather than not give them a second try. However, if indeed the youth do not take advantage of his offer, they are arrested. We also asked Mr. Peters about pornography and the junk that crowds the Internet. He believes that if enough people care, eventually there will be no market for this sort of material and thus will be self-eliminated. The Internet will probably never be entirely free of this material, he thinks, but the people who put it to good use will command the information and be the ones who get the most out of it. Another aspect of making the Internet a better medium is by filling it with good projects. He commended us on our achievements and said that it really is necessary to start with the young people so that future generations will have an improved setting. It is easier to begin change early rather than late, and projects just like ours are a great starting point for learning on the internet.

Mr. Peters is an avid user of the Internet himself and supporter of technology, with a portable workstation, Global Positioning System on his helicopter, and every gadget that you can think of. One of the greatest things that amazes him is the lack of technology in the policing system and the Secret Service. He believes that the technology is out there but the organizations just do not want to have to learn how to use it and implement it. However, Mr. Peters thinks that it is very vital to a modern governing system and that the organizations must open themselves soon to these new doors. The people who are breaking the law have the technology, but ironically the people who are upholding the law don't. It would be a relatively simple task to integrate technology into the workplace; it would only quicken the ability and pace of investigation, and Ron himself is an example himself that this can be done.

All in all, Mr. Peters is an ardent supporter of the Internet, computer technology, and global communication along with all their many uses. He believes, unlike some, that the Internet will continue to be a useful tool for the populous but will not entirely take over peoples lives. His diversity is evident here in that although he loves working with technology, he also believes in the humanness of our existence; that is why our project is important to explore-because of its merging of the two.

Currently, Mr.Peters is continuing his work in Computer Forensics and is giving talks and seminars about the internet and technological security to adult and youth organizations alike. He is a very unique and intriguing person, a wonder to talk with.