Re: The X Files ("deus ex machina" excuses)

[Jay Hanson]

From: Durant <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

>So who decides on who are to be the elite ones?

The objective is minimize human suffering.   Thus, the highest priority is
given to preserving our life-support system.  Those scientists (probably
mostly ecologists) who understand the system best would be selected by their
peers.  Probably no more than, say, 2000 altogether including religious and
cultural leaders.

>Everyone with a phd? But I know a few really stupid professors...
>Why do you think such an "arrangement" could be
>worked out, but democracy cannot be made effective?

Democracy could play a role in how people chose to meet explicitly mandated
objectives.  For example, suppose a bioregion were directed to reduce water
consumption by a certain amount.  The people could decide whether they
stopped watering their lawns or washing their cars to meet that objective.

Jay