January 26, 1996
It was once said that one of the dangers of technology and mass communication was that it could potentially allow a single individual to spread insanity like a disease, to not only maintain but to multiply a dangerous and potentially destructive vision through others. The man who said that was very astute and perceptive, and had remarkable foresight. That is why I had to kill him.
Sometimes, though, communication is not hindered by technology, sometimes it can actually be helped, and can prevent catastrophe. What follows is not an example of that.
From a radio conversation recently released by the U.S. Navy
#1: Object on radar, please divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.
#2: Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees south to avoid a collision.
#1: This is the captain of a United States Navy ship. I say again, divert your course!
#2: No. I say again, divert YOUR course.
#1: This is the aircraft carrier Enterprise, we are a large warship of the U.S. Navy. Divert your course NOW!
#2: This is a lighthouse. Your call.
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