Letters to the Editor 12/05/2018

To the Editor:

I really appreciate the column written by Craig Rullman about today's new technology and how that is affecting the world ("The Fulfillment Machine," The Bunkhouse Chronicle, The Nugget, November 28, page 8).

He brought up a lot of things that I think are important for every American to be aware of. Technology has become so much more than just a convenient distraction. It has essentially become a way of life for most people, and almost everyone is affected by it in some way or another, even if they do their best to limit their use of it.

One of the things I think it is important to understand is that artificial intelligence is only advancing from here on out and that many of the very physically repetitive jobs such as manufacturing and shipping fulfillment could disappear for humans very soon.

That being said, as humans, it is our job to fight for our place in this world.

I believe it is important for us to take a tactful approach rather than one of banishment toward all technology.

This technology is a double-edged sword.

It can be used to advance our society and to advance this world to a point of coexisting unity, peace, and self-sustainment for the entire planet.

Or it can be used to control and completely destroy all freedom.

The choice is literally ours as we are all the ones who support what "happens."

This technology is created by humans and supported by humans, which is why it currently thrives. And the same goes for the corporations. They cannot thrive without us. I feel like it is our role and job to not allow this new technology to cross the boundaries of our own personal freedom and privacy. When Craig is talking about the "intrusiveness" and dangers of this new technology, I know that he is not simply being an alarmist or someone who is fear-mongering about the topic. Unfortunately it is a real issue and I know without a doubt that this is our job to hold our ground and not allow these intrusive features to be enabled into our lives.

Technology can be a beautiful thing, but it can also be abusive and I think it is very important that this is regulated and I also feel like it is very important that laws are brought into action that prevent manipulative technology features from being a part of our society. No one should accept or allow intrusiveness because in the end, our lives and freedom matter so much more than the latest gadget. Take away our freedom and none of that matters one bit.

I seriously question how much a human's job will matter if things become fully automated. Sure, there will be some jobs that cannot be replaced by robots, but I am guessing that at least 50 percent or more could be someday. If our government was wise, this technology could be used to actually bail out the American economy and make life amazing for everyone, but instead it seems like it is used to just fuel greedy corporations.

I think it is important for all of us to start questioning the way things are and start coming up with revolutionary ways to change the "system" that is broken and doesn't work. I know many things with the economy seem better right now since the recession but I often wonder how much is just being patched over instead of actually being fixed.

Andrew Roe

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To the Editor:

We are not weeping because we have seen a good man's life cut short; we are weeping because we have lost a man who truly wanted this country to be a "kinder, gentler nation."

He was a humble man, despite occupying the most powerful office in the world, the presidency of the United States. He served valiantly in the military and in myriad government positions throughout his life.

This should be a time of reflection, no matter your party affiliation, to consider the loss of the last president of "the greatest generation," George H.W. Bush, who was a role model to all the citizens of this country. He represented a style of politics that perhaps we will not see again. I may not have agreed with all his policies, but I certainly do believe he had the character to serve in the highest office of the land and I thank him for his service.

Stella Dean