ethics

[Mark Richards]

I am not sure where Adam's remote diagnosis of Asperberger's Syndrome is 
aimed, but it's personally a bit shocking to read.  ADD, ADHD, and 
"Asperbergers" (actually it's "Aspberger Syndrome") are in the same 
family, but different in intensity and spectrum.  ADD/ADHD is much more 
widespread and we all might well fall somewhere into those DSM's.  The 
relevance of your assertion is puzzling.  Perhaps the author might share 
the full import of the remark?

As to the apologetic for working on government projects where Adam 
presents the true mix of intents (peace, war, and defense) that come 
under the "DOD" umbrella, I would offer a related yet more severe analog 
where an offensive weapons targeting system is centrally placed in a 
public apartment building.  One is used to shield the other.  "You 
cannot seperate [sic] these actions from those which you might object 
without dismantling the DoD", Adam says.  Gotta admit it - this is 
certainly a problem just as it is in the "safe house".

I'd have far more respect for the DOD if they re-named themselves "War 
Department", which was used with some pride long ago.  This sign above 
the door would be at least more honest, and let everyone know what it is 
they are getting into.

Times are far different now.  And not to disparage sincere technologist 
who consciously want to do good, and further despite any "good" that may 
be done under the same name, It's my view that putting tools and 
technology into dirty hands involves a level of compromise that at least 
some are unwilling to make.  If my screed would be refined, perhaps it 
would have said this, too.

/m


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