Economics driving the arms race
Jim Leask
that anyone who feels we really NEED these new 'defense' systems
is not looking at their purposes realistically.
eg. 1) If we use these systems, then it is obviously disaster!!!
2) If we don't use these systems then why did we really
need them in the first place? (I know, to stop the
Russians from using theirs, right )
Spending money on such systems however is not really spending it
on the system itself. What the money goes to is a lot of JOBS for
people doing research in these areas. Also if companies can land
contracts to develop systems in the name of 'defense' then they
can employ people and probably make some sort of a profit (which is the
real problem)
What can we do?
1) Remember that we are personally responsible for the
products that we develop. Therefore we must ask ourselves
if the system really should be developed, and if not
say so and do something else.
2) If enough people voice their disapproval of the direction
our governments are taking to the solution of the problems
(ie. not work on these systems), then the government
will be forced to find other solutions.
(hopefully more reasonable ones)
3) Suggest alternative ways to spend the research money that
will advance technology, and hopefully be more beneficial
to mankind (ie. something that could actually be used)
Jim Leask
U of Waterloo, Ont, Canada
watmath!wateng!jmleask