Follow Slashdot blog updates by subscribing to our blog RSS feed

 



Forgot your password?
typodupeerror
×

Comment Re:Mind the gap! (Score 1) 642

I don't know why anyone ever proposes to solve overpopulation problems with this method. As your example numbers illustrate, it does seem rather infeasible. However, I dislike when this argument is used as a means of refuting the possibility and benefits of any and all off-world colonization attempts (it isn't evident if this is the stance of the parent or not, so forgive me if I'm being too critical). The summary of this attitude seems to be "if we can't fix everything in one fell swoop, why bother trying to leave this rock at all?" The potential benefits of space colonisation have been thoroughly discussed on Slashdot, including exploitation of new resources, spurring the development of new technologies, and the concept of an off-site backup for our DNA and our species.

To get back on topic, it is irrelevant if shipping "excess" humans off-world can solve overpopulation. What is relevant is that the mechanism of exponential growth could potentially allow an entire galaxy to be settled in a (relatively) timely fashion. The result may not be pretty, with a multitude of overpopulated worlds, but it is possible nonetheless.

Comment Re:Canada would be a very good choice! (Score 1) 1359

While I agree that there is definitely too much bigotry and intolerance in Alberta, it's not all originating from the caucasians. A few days ago in downtown Calgary I had the unfortunate experience of being pestered for money by a Native American (not at all an uncommon occurrence). After I refused to give him a handout, he then proceeded to criticize me for being white, claiming that I was not a true Canadian.

The ironic part is that I am Metis (barely, the majority of my ancestry is European), and by likening me to some evil imperialistic European who conquered his homeland (a grievance I can definitely understand and sympathize with), he was in effect alienating one of the few people who might champion his cause someday. I tried to handle the situation diplomatically and explain that we were more alike than he thought, but alas, it was to no avail.

Slashdot Top Deals

Don't compare floating point numbers solely for equality.

Working...