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From: ken@ihuxq.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.philosophy
Subject: Re: A new topic
Message-ID: <387@ihuxq.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 15-Nov-83 14:49:49 EST
Article-I.D.: ihuxq.387
Posted: Tue Nov 15 14:49:49 1983
Date-Received: Wed, 16-Nov-83 07:05:38 EST
References: <194@wxlvax.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, Il
Lines: 19

Alan has a problem: he wants to pursue a CS career yet not contribute
(actively, anyway) to the war machine.  The perception of contribution is
important, as all of us who pay taxes contribute quite directly to the war
toy chest.  So, where do you draw the line?  I work at Bell Labs.  I do not
work on military projects.  I have the same reservations Alan does about
so doing, yet I do not feel hypocritical just for working for an organization
that does do military work elsewhere.  My suggestion to Alan revolves
around a Mr. Spock line, "There are always options."  Viz: Start your own
business (that's a singular or plural "your"), OR make yourself feel less
squeemish about defense work you are not doing.  You might also investigate a
group called "Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility."  
No, you are not alone in your angst, but clearly, any problem with enough
boundary conditions will have no solution.  Or as the Beatles put it,
"A working class hero is something to be."
-- 

ken perlow
..ihnp4!ihuxq!ken
bell labs @ naperville, IL