Re: the value of science

[Leigh Palmer <palmer@SFU.CA>]

> I sincerely hope that you do not really believe that we currently live in a
> time of relative security and can safely curtail our weapons research
> effort. The world is more dangerous now than at any previous time because
> the number of crazies with the intent and the ability to do us harm has
> greatly multiplied. Is it monstrous to use technology to protect our way of
> life by trying to dissuade these nuts from their stated goal?

I don't think that's the intent of weapons research. I certainly favor
research on methods of thwarting terrorists, however.

I was raised in the second world war and afterward, under the constant
threat of nuclear holocaust. I think you underestimate the relative
security in which we now live. Children can go to school secure in the
knowledge that their own firearms will protect them from harm. When
the killing of a six year old makes national news I compare it to 1943
or 1953 and I am encouraged.

Leigh