The words below represent my attempt to explain where we are as a society and why mass shootings are not only inevitable, but understandable, given the choices we are making on a societal level.
"The Manifesto makes five main arguments: (1) modern technology constitutes an indivisible, self-perpetuating 'system' that is not under human control; (2) human beings are biologically and psychologically maladapted to life in a technological society; (3) the continued development of the technological system will inevitably lead to catastrophe (i.e. the destruction of humanity or its total subordination to the system); (4) since the technological system cannot be controlled, and hence cannot be reformed, a revolutionary overthrow of the system is necessary to avert catastrophe; and (5) leftist activism is a form of pseudo-rebellion that serves to distract attention from the problem of technology.
12"
The above quote is a synopses of the Unibomber's Manifesto. I think about the ideas espoused by this "madman" way too often as I watch society blindly accept every new advancement the tech industry throws at us. I think it's pretty clear at this point in time that many in our society cannot handle the awesome responsibility that comes with being given all these new toys.
We have become a "rights" based society at the expense of accountability. Try to take away any right from any person and they will scream to high heaven that they are being infringed upon. Try to suggest that rights should be earned, not given and you'll be looked at like you have three heads! Even, and especially, our institutions have evolved to give us what is our right(home ownership, new cars, a college education, employment), with almost zero accountability. Most on this forum claim to hate Socialism and yet we all live and participate in a state of voluntary socialism; insurance and banking to name the two most obvious. God forbid anyone has to earn and save their money first before they purchase their home, car, education, etc...instead of being given a loan from the other members of society because of some wacked sense of "rights" and then having that purchase, whether it was sound or not, guaranteed through insurance.
If our institutions all promote rights exclusively while barely even acknowledging personal responsibility/accountability (right to abortion, right to vote, right to citizenship, right to be whatever gender I feel like being today, etc...) why would our fellow citizens ever value responsibility over their supposed right to happiness, prosperity, and fame? We are creating monsters and misfits, arming them with illusions and weapons, and somehow expecting good results? Who's crazy here?
In light of the serous problems our country faces, I just don't see how simple fixes(take way guns, armed guards, etc...) will do anything but aggravate the situation. I apologize for this extremely negative post but we've had it coming for awhile, and the writing's been on the wall.
Jim
