IVIV (1) There Will be Computers for This

[Joseph Tracy]

My thought were addressed both to some of what you said and to other  
thoughts on the topic. I like computers and see their positive  
potential but question whether that has been realized in any  
practical political way. Meanwhile there has been a definite invasion  
of privacy, and an attempt to turn war into a DVD game, and a lot of  
toxic high tech waste, and a lot of worker exploitation.

I like your line" That's why its not called future."  that's funny.


On Sep 18, 2009, at 12:03 PM, David Morris wrote:

> On Fri, Sep 18, 2009 at 10:45 AM, Joseph Tracy <brook7 at sover.net>  
> wrote:
>> I don't have to "worry" about a scary sci-fi future. I live in  
>> one, and so do you.
>
> That's why it's not called "future."
>
>> The problem with computers has to do with the power structures the  
>> machines reinforce
>
> The power structures have always been there, and they have always used
> whatever tools/weapons exist to maintain and increase their power.
> There is no problem with computers, per se.
>
>>  The tech is neutral and could be a powerful democratizing force  
>> but is it really at this point?
>
> So you agree that there is no problem with computers.  Ask those
> students in Iran if they think  their computers are a democratizing
> force.  Of course guns will always trump, until those holding the guns
> decide to change sides, and info might help make that happen.
>
>>  Unions have had a heroic historic role in democratizing the US  
>> economy, but [...]
>
> Agreed, which has nothing to do with computers.
>
> David Morris