[extropy-chat] Not Just Rednecks for Bush

[Samantha Atkins]

When we get blue we may find solace in the realization that 73% of the 
*registered* voters did not vote for Bush.   If we could reach enough 
of them we could stop major bush-wackiness in its tracks.  IF.

- samantha


On Nov 24, 2004, at 10:24 AM, Hal Finney wrote:

> Mike Lorrey writes:
>> Polls show that the President increased his support by...
>> 5% among females
>> 9% among Latinos
>> 2% among African Americans
>> 3% among Asians
>> 7% among those over age 65
>> 5% among Catholics
>> 6% among Jewish voters
>> 4% among married people
>
> I agree with Mike that this is an issue of concern to Extropians.
> The President's enthusiasm for faith-based initiatives, his opposition 
> to
> personal self-determination and body-ownership (via his drug, abortion 
> and
> homosexuality policies), his "Council on Bioethics" headed by Leon Kass
> whose primary purpose seems to be de facto opposition to Extropianism, 
> all
> portend an ominous future given his increasing level of public support.
> It is equally significant than a substantial number of Bush voters 
> listed
> "moral values" as their main reason for choosing him, in the exit 
> polls.
> While this is a somewhat ambiguous phrase, it certainly does not 
> signify
> widespread support for an Extropian world where individuals have 
> maximum
> freedom of self-development and self-control.
>
> However it is far too early to despair.  Change is always uncomfortable
> for people, and it is natural for their initial reaction to be a 
> longing
> to go back to the old ways, which seem safe and comfortable.  But in
> fact, much of that longing is simple nostalgia; the past was really not
> that great.  And if America begins to turn back to that past, she will
> quickly remember once again why she left it.
>
> Extropians and other transhumans offer a package which, in truth,
> cannot fail to attract widespread support.  Life extension, health
> extension, human advancement, all of these are trends which have
> brought tremendous benefits to people all over the world.  Despite the
> discomfort from traditionalists, I remain confident that the 
> attractions
> of these new opportunities will more than overcome social resistance.
> Right now we are seeing the early skirmishing, attempting to set the
> stage for the great battle which lies ahead.  Once these changes become
> actual opportunities rather than merely potential futures, the memetic
> battleground will shift significantly.  No amount of pontificating by
> Kass or lecturing from the pulpit will turn Americans away from life
> extension and make them embrace death.
>
> Hal
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