Date: 10/26/2004 09:51 PM
From: Gil Chavez (barrioguy@yahoo.com)
Subject: Advent of the Robotic Monkeys
To date, most articles about research and development related to the interface of robotics and physical rehabilitation seem to be stuck in the mode of working on developing an "arm" to feed and move someone who is paralyzed ("Advent of the Robotic Monkeys," Oct. 26, 2004).
Only the Japanese seem to be developing something akin to a sci-fi robotic "power suit" prosthesis that will take us beyond a "glorified wheel chair" equipped with fancy bells and whistles. Someday you will get old and your body will start to give out on you while your mind still keeps on ticking. Will you want to lose your mobility and have to depend on a robotic monkey or would you like some technological enhancement to prolong your independence?
The alternative is to become a disabled person, excluded from ordinary activities such as climbing stairs or taking a walk. Remember, you are a temporarily able-bodied person. The vagaries of life and chance mishaps such as an illness or accident, not to mention aging, can make you into what used to be termed a cripple.
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Date: 10/26/2004 10:26 AM
From: Jesse Byrtus (one-planet@lycos.com)
Subject: No Paper Trail, No Problem
It would seem to me that any person who understands both technology and politics would never approve of electronic voting ("No Paper Trail, No Problem," Oct. 25, 2004). Electronic chips like e-proms can be software programmed to display anything, while at the same time performing an opposite action. What you see, is not what you get. The data can even be altered at the download point as well, and the voting machine reprogrammed at the same time, without anyone knowing it. Look at the political goals of those companies who make these machines, and you will see who is going to win the election. That means we just gave up another freedom without a fight.
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Date: 10/25/2004 12:47 PM
From Derick Childress (moviemaker@mac.com)
Subject: Home PCs Plagued with Problems
Your article makes no mention of the millions of Macs out there that have exactly 0 spyware, 0 viruses and 0 worms ("Home PCs Plagued with Problems," Oct. 25, 2004). It's like doing an article on a line of defective Ford Explorer windshield wipers and calling it "American Cars Plagued with Problems." If you define PC as a "personal computer" then no, home PCs aren't plagued with problems. Home PCs running windows are plagued with problems. According to you article, "Clearly there is confusion. We need to do a better job making information and practical tips for home users and small businesses available." I couldn't agree more. The only problem is, your story completely ignored the best advice for consumers looking for security, which is "don't use the most unsecured operating system on the market."
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Date: 10/25/2004 12:48 PM
From: Barb Fornssler (Bashigg1@hotmail.com)
Subject: U.N. Clone Treaty Still on Ice
To ban the cloning of a human embryo for medical research on the grounds that it is 'taking a human life,' as suggested by the Bush administration to the United Nations, is yet another attempt by the anti-choice right to portray an image of the embryo as a person ("U.N. Clone Treaty Still on Ice," Oct. 22, 2004).
Attempting to use the United Nations as a platform for promoting the U.S. agenda of "global morality" clearly demonstrates the religious Christian-centric position that the Bush administration represents. This is not an attack on religious beliefs, nor an attack on those who align themselves with these views. I simply hope that the United Nations will not concede to these demands, and instead will allow each sovereign state to formulate a policy which reflects the position of the citizens it represents. As a Canadian citizen, the U.S. government does not represent my views as I did not elect those leaders. Please Mr. Bush, leave my democratic government intact.
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