What's that blinking light in your hand?

[elfs]

It's time to found Sanctuary.

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Ban all scientific research aimed solely at increasing longevity past 70 years. A number of biotechnology companies (which cannot be named here) are trying to allow rich people to extend their lifespans to over 100 years using pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, this could take money from the poor and give it to the rich (in their long pensions) by increasing everyone else's pension contributions, and housing and healthcare costs. All health research directed towards extending longevity beyond 70 years should be banned to save our pension system and NHS from collapse and to give room for the wonders of the next generation.

Yes, I'm perfectly aware that this is just one lone crank, and a few miscellaneous "undersigneds," one of whom is just messing with the system. But this is a commonplace attitude, and one that must be confronted and disdained whenever possible.

Comments

[norincraft.livejournal.com]

I'm not too worried, at least not initially.

Crank and friends are just exhibiting primate behavior. They don't understand it so they fear it. But they also don't understand that we've as a species never really said no to a profitable area of technology. They think if they put their finger in the dike it will stop the flow of progress, not realizing the whole ocean is out there.

On the other hand, we often end up cutting ourselves on technology's backstroke.