Put another way: If we can't define and rely on an accurate perception
of the real, fact based world, how can we hope to accurately perceive
the future.
If we can't see where we are now, how can we see where we're going.
(by the way Tom, you're posting in the future again.)
Tom Piwowar wrote:
A few nights ago PBS ran a great program on Watergate 30 Years After.
They interviewed many of the primary players looking at events from the
perspective that 30 years provides.
One of the interesting points was that those involved in the Nixon crimes
were people of high personal virtue -- they didn't smoke, didn't drink,
didn't chase the opposite sex, etc.
But they had no morals when it came to the public sphere. There seemed to
be no limits to what they would do to win a political battle. One
reporter noted how those in the administration would just lie and lie and
lie with absolutely no compunction. If caught in a lie they would just
lie some more. They bribed, they bullied, they falesly prosecuted, they
blackmailed, they burgled, they ruined people's lives.
Watching the show I sadly noted that those were the good old days. It is
worse today.
As you see from the snippet below, you just can't engage Jeff in any
serious discussion. "Evil, stupid and/or ignorant, dishonest, sleazy"
indeed. And so very sad. He is a smart guy, but isn't willing to work
with it.
No, no Rev, you've got it all wrong.
Your side is brilliant, honest, forthright, righteous, of the highest ethics
and above reproach.
The other side is evil, stupid and/or ignorant, dishonest, sleazy and always
up to something no good.
This discussion is not really "off topic." This is an attempt to examine
a decisionmaking process that is central to any discussion of how we use
technology. It is key to thinking about DMCA, net neutrality, defective
software security, false market statistics, etc. If we can't honestly
examine the data, we can't honestly come to valid conclusions, and we
can't effectively plot a future course.
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