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This diary is a demagogic construction.

The filthy rich...
Ah, the filthy rich digging in their razor claws into the back of the poor!
Feels so good writing this...

automobiles are tools of the rich
Wow. How many dozens of millions rich people around here.

What is it that makes a technology a tool of the rich and powerful? A technology is such if its cost is high. Conversely, a technology is a tool of the masses if its cost is low.
You use 'cost' in monetary terms. A constant theme here is how the real cost of a technology is way beyond monetary. So a low (monetary) cost tool for the masses may very easily become a high (overall) cost tool for the whole of us.

Of course, you have no choice but to use 'cost' as monetary, since you start up with your division between the rich and the poor. So you run into conceptual difficulties sooner or later.

The mine, the anti-tank missile and the anti-ship missile all have important democratizing effects
How can any one write this and go unchallenged? Mines are the single most awful weapon for the damage they inflict upon men women, children, donkeys, anything alive : think Angola, Southern Lebanon. Anti-tank missiles are a godsend for high seas pirates, islamic somali fighters and other assorted democrats.

I mean, I could go on and on. This diary needs a rewrite.

by balbuz on Sat Jan 27th, 2007 at 04:23:52 AM EST

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