Hypothetical Doomsday Scenario

[k0ua]

I respect your opinion, but strongly disagree. Hypothetical scenarios are a way of imagining a myriad of different possibilities. The question of "What if?" is the most powerful question ever conceived in the history of mankind. Those who don't ask questions are doomed to live out their lives in ignorance.

OK.. now explore this: a fleet of Klingon battle cruisers are in orbit around our planet, and a delegation of Klingon warriors transport down and declare this planet is now a part of the Klingon empire, and we are all just slaves to the Klingon's or we can all be dead in 3 minutes. See how this can just go on and on.. It is just as likely as the "push button" don't you think?

James K0UA

 

[Biggreenavalanche]

Just FYI...the "button" does exist on a somewhat geographically limited basis, and has existed since the late 1940s...a nuclear weapon, a rather large one , was developed by the now defunct USSR...the weapon was intended to be launched into space over a given landmass and detonated...the resulting electromagnetic pulse (EMP) would have wreaked havoc on all electronics and electric items, to include the national powergrid on the given land mass...to think the US did not develop the same weapon would be naive...as a side note there would have been no other hazard from the weapon (ie...thermal, shock, or radiation)...and no, I wouldn't push the "button"...

Rich

Edit: Oh yeah, this was not a hypothetical weapon, it was developed, and put into service, just not used............yet.........

 

[MasseyWV]

OK.. now explore this: a fleet of Klingon battle cruisers are in orbit around our planet, and a delegation of Klingon warriors transport down and declare this planet is now a part of the Klingon empire, and we are all just slaves to the Klingon's or we can all be dead in 3 minutes. See how this can just go on and on.. It is just as likely as the "push button" don't you think?

Yes, it can go on and on, but that's the point, one learns as they go. By the way, it may not be Klingons, but the universe is a big place and it's entirely possible that aliens could someday visit planet Earth, unlikely perhaps, but possible. Since we're using examples, lets look at an unlikely scenario that actually happened... Almost noone thought that 9/11 could happen, but it did.

 

[k0ua]

Yes, it can go on and on, but that's the point, one learns as they go. By the way, it may not be Klingons, but the universe is a big place and it's entirely possible that aliens could someday visit planet Earth, unlikely perhaps, but possible. Since we're using examples, lets look at an unlikely scenario that actually happened... Almost noone thought that 9/11 could happen, but it did.

Well... you got me there...I still remember that beautiful September morning and driving to work listening to the radio...

James K0UA

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

I would likely push the button accidentally!

 

[MasseyWV]

Has anyone every read about the "Dark Ages"?

The Dark Ages led to the Renaissance, which in turn, gave rise to historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Can anyone, in a clear conscience, even consider that the total abolishment of Modern Technology would be a "Good Thing" and benefit Mankind?

Yes, I can.

Have you looked around lately? People seem to be turning into zombies, becoming ever more hopelessly addicted to their precious gadgets, all the while forgetting how to actually live their lives. Opinions obviously vary, but I believe that we would be much better off without being so dependent on technology for our very survival.

 

[dmccarty]

OK.. now explore this: a fleet of Klingon battle cruisers are in orbit around our planet, and a delegation of Klingon warriors transport down and declare this planet is now a part of the Klingon empire, and we are all just slaves to the Klingon's or we can all be dead in 3 minutes. See how this can just go on and on.. It is just as likely as the "push button" don't you think?

James K0UA

Well, No! (Said in Dan's best Valley Girl voice)

If the Klingons were here so would be Kirk or Picard with Worf! We know who would WIN!

On Sept. 11, I was at work when someone said that a plane had hit one of the towers. The coworker had been on the CNN site and saw the news. We all started looking at webpages and wondering what was happening when the second hit and found out about the third plane in MD. I went out to the truck and brought in a radio so we could get more information....

When Challenger blew up I saw the smoke driving to work. When I got to work we gathered around one of the few TVs to get the news before an announcement was made on the PA...

Later,
Dan

 

[creekbend]

The Dark Ages led to the Renaissance, which in turn, gave rise to historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.



Yes, I can.

Have you looked around lately? People seem to be turning into zombies, becoming ever more hopelessly addicted to their precious gadgets, all the while forgetting how to actually live their lives. Opinions obviously vary, but I believe that we would be much better off without being so dependent on technology for our very survival.

I agree that Mankind has become dependent on Modern Technology. But, in all reality, you appear to pick out certain parts of my post that you could independently remark to in a somewhat definitive manner that doesn't relate to your views. If you would take the time to read my post again, I stated THE TOTAL ABOLISHMENT OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY in regards to being a Good Thing and benefiting Mankind. Note Total Abolishment. In summary, how would you obtain the Fuel for your MF tractor if it weren't for refineries. All aspects of the Petroleum Supply today relies on Modern Technology. Are you advocating that everyone utilize the use of "Passenger Pigeons" in order to communicate long distance? Are you not using a PC to communicate with me at the present time? If you research past history in this Country in regards to the "Industrial Age", the early farmers criticized the advent of the Tractor and made rudimentary and negative remarks in regards that the Tractor would never take the place of draft horses and horse drawn implements. Just take a look at the advancement in Agriculture that has occurred because of this one "Modern Convenience", and the prosperity that the now "Common Tractor" has been influential in regards to feeding people. I remember hearing people making remarks similar about air conditioning. People used to condemn the invention of automatic transmissions and make negative remarks. Even the products that are manufactured in the workplace that you are employed at and helps to provide for your Family, depends on Modern Technology. Just a thought? I am not attempting to be argumentative in regards to your reply, but it appears that "THE GUILTY" should not judge "The GUILTY". I remember a thread that you once started in the past here on TBN relating to the element of "Hostility" here on TBN. This is a forum and resulting comments will sometimes become elevated because of the issues discussed. Please take time and read my post again. You may discover, just perhaps, that I stated that the Total Abolishment of Modern Technology would definitely not be beneficial to Mankind. I am not referring to videos or games that people play, but to the vast complex institution that is deeply embedded in a great proportion of the Industrialized Nations that exist today in the World. The Total Abolishment of Modern Technology would most definitely not be beneficial to mankind.

 

[creekbend]

Well, No! (Said in Dan's best Valley Girl voice)

If the Klingons were here so would be Kirk or Picard with Worf! We know who would WIN!

On Sept. 11, I was at work when someone said that a plane had hit one of the towers. The coworker had been on the CNN site and saw the news. We all started looking at webpages and wondering what was happening when the second hit and found out about the third plane in MD. I went out to the truck and brought in a radio so we could get more information....

When Challenger blew up I saw the smoke driving to work. When I got to work we gathered around one of the few TVs to get the news before an announcement was made on the PA...

Later,
Dan

I was working on a jobsite in Sarasota Florida when the Challenger exploded. As you may know, most of the times the Space Shuttle was to be launched, residents of Southwest Florida would gather outside to see the vapors caused by the launch. I, personally saw three launchings in this way. Once a shuttle made an reentry and I rushed outside because there was a boom. I thought an automobile crash had occurred in front of our home. When 9-11 happened, I was working my part time job as a taxi driver. The dispatcher related the news to us drivers on our radios. I rushed directly to our Home and cried when I saw the second plane on TV hit the Tower.

 

[MasseyWV]

I agree that Mankind has become dependent on Modern Technology. But, in all reality, you appear to pick out certain parts of my post that you could independently remark to in a somewhat definitive manner that doesn't relate to your views.

Quite simply, I took relevant parts of what you said and stated my opinion in response to them, much like people do every day. Honestly, some of your posts are one huge blob of text, and if you took the time to break them up into paragraphs, they would be much easier to read.

 

[RoyJackson]

Actually, pushing the button would really screw me, since I have a pacemaker...of course, it would be an easy way to go...fast too.

 

[Blitzn]

I concur with Patrick, that humanity will rapidly turn on itself.

I disagree with jinman that hypothetical situations are a cheap form of entertainment. That may be the case when yo fantasize about winning the lottery, but many of our real-life situations are modeled every day, from military exercises to Homeland Security to projects I have at work.

When I originally considered this posting, it was more reminiscent of "Mayberry". To borrow from Rascal Flatts -
"Sometimes it feels like this world is spinning faster Than it did in the old days
So naturally we have more natural disasters... From the strain of a fast pace

Sunday was the day of rest... Now its one more day for progress
And we can't slow down... Cause more is best
It's all an endless process

Well I miss Mayberry... Sitting on the porch drinking ice cold Cherry --- Coke
Where everything is black & white... Picking on a Six String
Where people pass by and you call them by their first name
Watching the clouds roll by
bye bye"

Now, that said. Yes, society will degenerate. Where I live we in fact have local militias. We are also prepared for the worst situations - as we live in Michigan where unemployment still leads the nation, Detroit is a festering sore that robs/maims/kills more each year than Iraq and Afghanistan combined, and across the river was the #2 Nuke target feeding all natural gas to the east coast, refineries, International electrical grid interconnection,only double-stack rail tunnel to the east from the west and all sorts of fun stuff.
So, yeah, we grew up feeling we had to prepare for the worst.

Do I want to see society devour itself - heck no. But as I mentioned, I have co-workers who won't even discuss where a hamburger comes from because it is too terrifying.

Reality can be a nice wakeup call. Perhaps a temporary power outage would be wonderful - but I doubt anyone would learn anything.

 

[MasseyWV]

Actually, pushing the button would really screw me, since I have a pacemaker...of course, it would be an easy way to go...fast too.

Things like this, are exactly why I said maybe in my earlier post about pushing the button. On one hand I believe that we would all be better off without being so dependent on technology, but on the other hand I believe that some technology can be a good thing, very much like the pacemaker that your life depends on.

 

[jinman]

The question of "What if?" is the most powerful question ever conceived in the history of mankind. Those who don't ask questions are doomed to live out their lives in ignorance.

Now there is the 2nd most ridiculous activity. Making unproven statements as if they cannot be refuted. I always thought the most powerful question was "Why?" Truth is, neither you nor I have any basis for such presumptions. I simply disagree with your premise. For hypothetical scenarios to be of value, you must show that there is some reason to believe they are based in reality. Don't ask me to treat fiction as fact.

I think you started this thread to have some fun, but the more I read, the more I see you take yourself seriously. I've already offended you, so I should just apologize for not showing more restraint and back away. Enjoy your thread.

 

[MasseyWV]

Now there is the 2nd most ridiculous activity. Making unproven statements as if they cannot be refuted. I always thought the most powerful question was "Why?" Truth is, neither you nor I have any basis for such presumptions. I simply disagree with your premise. For hypothetical scenarios to be of value, you must show that there is some reason to believe they are based in reality. Don't ask me to treat fiction as fact.

I think you started this thread to have some fun, but the more I read, the more I see you take yourself seriously. I've already offended you, so I should just apologize for not showing more restraint and back away. Enjoy your thread.

Here we go, debating the statement and calling it "unproven", yadda, yadda, yadda. I'm not asking you to treat it one way or another, it's an opinion, same as yours, take it or leave it. You haven't offended me, although I do believe I may have somehow offended you.

BTW: I don't take myself seriously, and I was not joking or "having fun" when I created this thread, but that's the problem with many people these days, they take nothing seriously.