From: hal@finney.org
Date: Fri Dec 01 2000 - 12:32:05 MST
As long term list members will recall, we have had some acrimonious
debates with David Brin on this list about his attitudes towards privacy.
He ran into similar highly negative responses from others in the online
community.
I believe it is this issue which has brought him to his present meta-
analysis of attitudes and ideologies. It was a terrible shock to him
to find himself accused of supporting tyranny and wanting to quash the
freedom of individuals to communicate privately. He didn't really think
of himself as tyrant material.
So he has launched a meta ideological battle on a number of fronts,
arguing against ideology itself in favor of pragmatic compromise. He also
seems to be attacking individualist philosophy. His mantra, "I am a
member of a civilization" is meant to remind us of how we owe to others.
Personally, I consider the ideas Brin is pushing to be significant
threats to the values which are most important to me. I don't want to
demonize the guy, but based strictly on his current writings I have to
view him as an enemy. I hope people can see past the smiling face and
jokey writing style to recognize the importance and seriousness of the
issues he is raising. David Brin is a dedicated and sincere ideological
warrior who is fighting a long-term, well-planned campaign to use his
writing skills to influence public opinion.
Hal
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