h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hey 'Nonnie!

I was enjoying this conversation, but thought it was getting off topic for the researcher ID card, so I moved it here. Hope you don't mind.

continued from
http://www.h2g2.com/forumframe.cgi?forum=41979&thread=54162

Where we left off:
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Exactly. Or even encouraging the stripping of liberties in an effort to gain some temporary illusion of safty. I hate it when I see society being led around by the nose, like a flock of sheep, when a little bit of indivudual thinking could wake them up. Instead, they seem to be afraid of anyone who dares. >
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That reminds me of some quote that goes like that: "those who give up liberty for the promise of security deserve neither and will lose both." (I think it was Ben Franklin or Thomas Jefferson, but I can never remember.) That basic statement has had a big impact on me and I think about it a lot.

Societies are always afraid, and their fear is fueled by both the media and politicians. Politicians innately understand that their most effective tool is fear and they exploit it. Unfortunately most people don't realize that they are being manipulated.

Sometime recently, a survey actually showed that if the Bill of Rights was voted on today, it wouldn't pass.

... I just realized that I didn't know how significant the Bill of Rights is to you -- I've been to a number of your pages and read some of your stuff (particularly liked "The Lone Dragon" and "After the Battle"), but I didn't even know what continent you live on! (the amazing thing about this kind of community!)
*does some quick checking*
Hmmm. Australia, I believe? Well, I've been there (loved it), and Aussies keep track of what's up with the US Bill of Rights, so I guess we're on the same page.
...

<
Well.. the one thing it -hasn't- been is boring.. It's definitely been
interesting.. lots of fun.. sometimes a bit disheartning, but mostly inspiring. >

One of the things that impressed me is the sense that h2g2 is in it for the long haul. There doesn't seem to be a hurry to "get it completed" or to get it "profitable" as seems the case in so many internet ventures. I love the fact that the style guide says to not use terms like "the 60s" because in a "short time" you won't know WHICH 60s are being discussed.

Redbeard

*pokes whiskers in a bit more than 'fashionably' late, but happy to go on as if there were no break at all *



*grins* My random sig collection has two versions of that:

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
(Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759)

And unfortunately I can't find the other.. I think it was a paraphrase by Lincoln.

It also reminds me of:

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.
- Abraham Lincoln

And while searching, I also found this little tidbit:

The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over
any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to
prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is
not a sufficient warrant
-- John Stuart Mill, 'On Liberty', 1859

I probably should quit now.. I'm turning this into a quote collection, and mine is far too large for a forum post.

<... I just realized that I didn't know how significant the Bill of Rights is to you -->

Erm.. Pretty significant.. That is it would be, if it really had the teeth it was written to have.

<(particularly liked "The Lone Dragon" and "After the Battle")>

Thank you. *blush*



*giggles* What is it about me that makes so many netizens I meet assume I'm from Oz? Not that I'm complaining.. I'm exceedingly jealous of you for having had a chance to visit!



Hmmm... Interesting observation. I'd never really thought of it that way, but yeah, I guess that's true.

'Nonnie