Re: Human ID implant to be unveiled soon

From: hal@finney.org
Date: Mon Aug 14 2000 - 10:19:27 MDT


Randy Smith writes:
> You see, I see this country (USA) as our property; it's our asset. We all
> derive our living from it. The benefits from our work here accrue to us (in
> large part).

I think you need to add much more clarification to this concept. What does
it mean that the USA is our property? What parts of the USA? The land? Are
you saying that my land belongs collectivelly to the people of the US? Or
do you just mean the businesses? My company is owned by everyone else?

Then you suggest that if someone comes here and works, they're stealing
my property? What exactly are they stealing? Suppose some guy stands on
the other side of the border and makes a basket, and I buy it from him.
He is still stealing? I don't see how it can become stealing simply if
he steps over the border before making his basket.

Even if you could come up with a principled reason to oppose immigration
(were your own immigrant ancestors stealing, BTW?), would it still follow
that implanted IDs are a good idea? Wouldn't you have to consider the
costs and disadvantages of that technology before jumping in and saying
that it is good?

Hal



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