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Old 03-03-2008, 09:08 PM   #42
recycledelectron
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Posts: 152
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Device: Lifebook T5010
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMcCunney View Post
Assuming it works. I have automatic concerns about anything that requires advanced technology to function in the face of a real disaster.
I would not have relied on those fancy, ohh so finicky matches at one point in technological evolution, but today, matches (and even lighters) are very reliable.

Firearms were not considered reliable enough to replace the pike for centuries.

During the war with Mexico (1840's?) the repeating rifle was shown to be amazingly effective, then the US' generals went back to the muzzle loader in time for the American Civil War. Breech loading repeaters were not seen as reliable enough for use by the common soldier.

Today, our PCs are NOT reliable enough to depend on in a disaster. They will get there. Solid state electronics in a sealed case can be made water proof, drop proof, and idiot resistant.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DMcCunney View Post
Switzerland can't hope to win a war against a really determined larger opponent. What they can hope to do is make the prospect so expensive no one will try to invade them.

But Switzerland is an example of an important truth about this sort of thing. All adult male Swiss have had military training and keep a military weapon at home. If Switzerland is attacked, the entire population can be mobilized.
Accroding to Sun Tzu, the highest form of war is to not have to fight. Isn't that what Switzerland accomplished?

Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT View Post
This is getting a little "heated". Please try to keep it polite!
Sorry.

I've backspaced over a few pages of arguments for anarchism. I would refer anyone interested to http://www.JPFO.org for further readings on what it means to be armed or not armed.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DMcCunney View Post
It can't be perfect. A library is a tool. A tool is useful only insofar as people know how to use it and have a desire to do so.
True. It's just a library at first.

As AIs improve, we may move from a disjointed set of tutorials to something like a tutor.

Andy
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