Re: RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR NEWSGROUP

Russell Whitaker (whitaker@extropia.corp.sgi.com)
Wed, 28 Aug 1996 17:29:23 -0700

On Aug 28, 4:36am, Chris Hind wrote this (quoted with ">"):
[SNIP]
>
> >> Every group MUST have a leader to inspire the
> >> mindless lemmingish masses.
> >
> >I can't believe you really mean that.
>
> Whats wrong with what I said? This is the reason there has never to my
> knowledge been a government without a leader to inspire the people. The
> problem is unfortunetly that low intellect people (usually poor) cannot
> relate to a process like a group and can only relate to a personality which
> explains why Clinton was elected. hehe :)
>

There is only a very loose correlation between income (or net worth)
and intellect. There's a much stronger correlation between income
and economic system. I disagree that the "masses" need a fuehrer.

[SNIP]
> >> In the eyes of the public as yet, Max is the "central extropian
> >> authority".
> >
> >No, he isn't.
> Then who is in the eyes of the mass media. Someone must be? Are do they see
> us as a group only without a leader.
>

If they don't then they _should_. People with representative opinions,
yes, but "leaders", no.

> >A number of us enjoyed Wade's post. Again, why not ask him yourself?
> Alright
>
> Another thing... Who is that FM-2030 guy? I saw him in a review in Skeptic
> and nowhere else is he mentioned. Who the hell is that guy?

Formerly known as "F. M. Esfandiary", author of *Upwingers*,
*Are You a Transhuman?*, and a number of other works. He's been
around cryonics & immortalist circles since the late 60's. A
nice guy. I have some political and economic disagreements with
him, but I like his spirit.

--
"Here the ways of men part:  if you wish to strive for peace of
 soul and pleasure, then believe; if you wish to be a devotee
 to truth, then inquire..."  - Nietzsche


Russell Earl Whitaker	                       whitaker@sgi.com
Webmaster, Silicon Junction
Silicon Graphics, Inc.	                      Mountain View, CA
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