[extropy-chat] Not Just Rednecks for Bush

[Hal Finney]

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