Re: Rulers and Famine in Poor Countries (was Obesity)

From: spike66 (spike66@attbi.com)
Date: Thu Mar 06 2003 - 22:44:21 MST

  • Next message: Adrian Tymes: "Re: Anti-Obesity Implants"

    Lee Corbin wrote:

    > In retrospect, it seems incredible that we could not
    > see that this was very likely going to be the result.

    Lee, the result was foreseen, the action was
    intentional. Those who minister to those in need
    perpetuate their existence by keeping people in need.

    > But the pressing question is still, what *can* be
    > done in cases of famine? Are we to just turn our
    > backs? (Unless you invade, what other option is there?)

    The answer is harsh, but no more so than the actions
    that have already been taken in the name of charity.
    The technically advanced must have the courage to
    declare that all cultures are not truly equal, that
    some cultures really are better than others, and that
    technology really does make for longer, healthier,
    happier, better lives.

    Nonviolent memetic warfare is called for. Are we
    morally obligated to respect other's lives and safety?
    Of course. Are we morally obligated to respect other's
    cultures, religions and customs? I argue that we are
    not, that ideas want to be free. Ideas will make their
    way into closed cultures, and those cultures will
    be turned upside down. We cannot stop that, we do not
    want to stop that. The old ways will be overturned.
    No one can lock up any sizable piece of real estate
    on this planet for any one religion or custom. No
    one can stop a radio wave. No one can stop capitalism.

    spike



    This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Thu Mar 06 2003 - 22:52:01 MST