[extropy-chat] urban sprawl as defense

[Spike]

> Samantha Atkins
> Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2004 2:12 PM

> On Aug 18, 2004, at 10:07 PM, Spike wrote:
> 
> > Most would agree that there is a growing threat to
> > western civilization of an attack by some sort of
> > weapons of mass destruction: bio, gas or nuke.
> 
> Sure since the west...

The west?

> ...is insisting on throwing its weight behind 
> blatantly irrational...

As blatantly irrational as murdering 3000 innocent
internationals who did nothing more evil than to
work in a really tall office building?

> ...and oppressive acts...

As oppressive as the way the Taliban and Al Qaida
treats its women and non-muslims?

> Solves the wrong problem.  Being more peaceable and civilized with 
> others would reduce the risk a lot faster...

So why not do both?  Estimate the probability that the
west will change its behavior.  Estimate the probability
that civilization will soon realize that technology now
allows us to spread out.  Cities have outlived most of 
their usefulness, but not their desireability as terrorist
targets.  spike