Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!rutgers!sri-unix!hplabs!hpcea!hpda!hpihoah!hpisof0!campbelr
From: campbelr@hpisof0.UUCP
Newsgroups: sci.misc
Subject: Re: Fragility of technology Re: James Burke (losses have occured)
Message-ID: <5240001@hpisof0.HP.COM>
Date: Wed, 11-Feb-87 19:35:02 EST
Article-I.D.: hpisof0.5240001
Posted: Wed Feb 11 19:35:02 1987
Date-Received: Thu, 19-Feb-87 19:09:59 EST
References: <7008@ut-sally.UUCP>
Lines: 18

Burke was not so much in love with computers, but seemed to be fascinated
by the power they can bring.  If you remember how several shows would talk
about the ability to predict the flooding of the Nile led to central govern-
ment and a priesthood.  But that the knowledge some had for themselves gave
power.

Computers can either give information to the world, making it more free, or
groups can control information and get control over large groups.  Think of
how your credit history will follow you forever and how easy it is for your
life to be inspected.  Computer engineers generally used computers for their
own sake.  But to a politician or business man it gives the power to deal
with mobs individually.  

Could Russia exist as it does now if information moved easily and every 
house had desktop publishing?  (Not to start a Capitalist/Communist debate)

Bob Campbell
hplabs!hpdsd!campbelr