Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!nuchat!sugar!ficc!jeffd
From: jeffd@ficc.uu.net (jeff daiell)
Newsgroups: comp.society.futures
Subject: Re: Networks, who pays
Summary: Response
Message-ID: <2241@ficc.uu.net>
Date: 16 Nov 88 19:27:31 GMT
References: <8811112231.AB02677@multimax.encore.com> <4203@encore.UUCP>
Organization: Ferranti International Controls
Lines: 49

In article <4203@encore.UUCP>, bzs@encore.com (Barry Shein) writes:
> From: jeffd@ficc.uu.net (jeff daiell)

> >  The best way to stand still on any thing is to turn it over to
> >  the politicians and bureaucrats.  Do we want something as vital
> >  as computerdom's future monopolized by the folks who gave us
> >  Korea, Viet-Nam, Watergate, Lebanon, Grenada, etc.?
> 
> How about the folks who gave us highways, bridges, men on the moon,
> the Center for Disease Control, the ARPAnet, the Library of Congress?

   Ah, yes, the CDC!  Remember the Great Swine Flu Debacle of 1976?
> 
> Namely, us, we gave it to us, when we act in concert.

  In concert -- or BOUND together, like the bundle of sticks from
  which Fascism derives its name?  What if I don't *want* to act
  in concert, Drill Sergeant?

> There is no
> doubt great need for reform, but don't confuse a need for reform with
> a need for destruction, at least not until you're sure you have
> something better to replace it. 
  
  Destruction, Drill Sergeant?  Freedom = Destruction?  Wow!  I bet
  you were one of those who were *happy* when Winston Smith fell
  in line (in "1984").

> Libertarianism has a long way to go to
> prove itself as viable

  And the status quo (statist quo?) doesn't?  You call monopolies,
  the roller-coaster of inflation and recession, rapacious taxes,
  and frequent wars "viable"?.  Sigh!  

> Unfortunately the mere mention of lower taxes mesmerizes many people.

  Unfortunately?  You think lower taxes are unfortunate?  How sad that
  you think so little of yourself you feel the need for others to
  spend your money for you.  Yes, the idea of lower taxes appeals to
  me.  The idea of none at all appeals to me even more.  KYFHO, as
  F. Paul Wilson might put it.


Jeff Daiell
-- 
  If a hungry man has water, and a thirsty man has bread,
  Then if they trade, be not dismayed, they both come out ahead.

                                   -- Don Paarlberg