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2008-11-10 3:16 PM

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Expert
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Lakeville, MN
Subject: What if a computer ran the gov't?
So a fellow BT'er and I were on our way to some outdoor fun when we got in to a discussion about the U.S. gov't and the elections. During that conversation, the notion of "what if a computer acted in place of Congress and the President." In most cases, computers:

1. Are not self-serving (ok...let's pretend Jonny 5 or HAL are not candidates)
2. Cannot be influenced by emotion or non-rational thought (A real Terminator would NEVER allow this to happen)
3. Cannot lie
4. Use math as its primary logic platform

That being said, what kind of impact would those qualities have on:

1. Fiscal responsibility (how fast do you REALLY think our federal budget would be balanced due to cutting of programs losing money or inefficient program mgmt)
2. Social issues (could it use math to actually weigh in on these matters or would it ignore all together?)
3. Security (how would it define a threat?)

Finally, what programming methodology should you use to establish the operating parameters for said computer:

1. Based entirely on parameters established by constitution?
2. Prohibit any decision from being made that will cost more money to implement than money received?
3. Allow the computer to learn?
4. Other?

It was kind of a fun conversation. Yeah, it tinges of "i-Robot" and other apocalyptic scenarios, but after witnessing our current gov't basically regress in to a bunch of whiney, lying, backstabbing, bad decision making and overall incompotent collection of individuals, perhaps "change" really needs to beyond just a new face.

Of course, there's always the issue that "humans program computers", but guess no solution is perfect.

[Note: this is no way implies I favor computers over people and this conversation is probably best conducted while under the influence of alcohol]

Edited by cooutdoors 2008-11-10 3:27 PM


2008-11-10 3:18 PM
in reply to: #1800232

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Champion
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Subject: RE: What if a computer ran the gov't?

 

I'm sorry Dave, I can't let you do that.

2008-11-10 3:25 PM
in reply to: #1800238

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Subject: RE: What if a computer ran the gov't?
ride_like_u_stole_it - 2008-11-10 3:18 PM

 

I'm sorry Dave, I can't let you do that.



Post of the day...
2008-11-10 3:29 PM
in reply to: #1800232

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Pro
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the Alabama part of Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: What if a computer ran the gov't?

Cyberdyne attempted this. But then Skynet became self aware.

When the human operators attempted to shut down the system, Skynet defined all humans as its new enemy and decided to terminate all humans to protect its existence.

 It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead.

2008-11-10 3:29 PM
in reply to: #1800232

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2008-11-10 3:37 PM
in reply to: #1800232

Champion
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Philly 'burbs
Subject: RE: What if a computer ran the gov't?
Ctrl+Alt+Del


2008-11-10 3:41 PM
in reply to: #1800232

Champion
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Richmond, VA
Subject: RE: What if a computer ran the gov't?
I vote for Mac.
2008-11-10 5:07 PM
in reply to: #1800232

Pro
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Parker, CO
Subject: RE: What if a computer ran the gov't?
I've just been watching your avatar for the past couple minutes...looks like fun!
2008-11-10 5:13 PM
in reply to: #1800232

Champion
6056
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Menomonee Falls, WI
Subject: RE: What if a computer ran the gov't?
But... but... who would give all the inspiring speeches?


2008-11-10 10:36 PM
in reply to: #1800232

Champion
7821
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Brooklyn, NY
Subject: RE: What if a computer ran the gov't?
Did we learn nothing from the Matrix? Maximum Overdrive? Wall-E?

Machines are not to be trusted. Period.
2008-11-10 11:15 PM
in reply to: #1800232

Champion
6931
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Bellingham, Washington
Subject: RE: What if a computer ran the gov't?

Anyone remember Colossus the Forbin Project ?   Decent movie made in 1970.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7Rq-PEW5qM



2008-11-11 3:50 PM
in reply to: #1800232

Elite
3090
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Spokane, WA
Subject: RE: What if a computer ran the gov't?
Dilbert.com

Hope this works. Timely Dilbert strip.
2008-11-11 3:52 PM
in reply to: #1800232

Elite
3090
20001000252525
Spokane, WA
Subject: RE: What if a computer ran the gov't?
Dilbert.com

It worked! Here's today's follow-up. Definite Terminator references.
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