Presumably, the difference is those who have access but don't use it.

Oh, I'm so glad you're here to arbitrate what is and isn't art! All this time, I had to think of art as being subjective and open to interpretation from the observer, but this is so much easier!

This was at INSCOM, years before Alexander was appointed to NSA.

Exactly. You're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view. That's what I learned from Star Wars.

Then the slashdot I know is truly dead.

And if that kid ending up shooting the other one, and it turned out the police knew of this incident and didn't even investigate, that'd fine, right? No one would get upset at the police not doing their job and investigating a possible threat?

Yeah, I read the Conqueror's Trilogy, and I had to rely on my imagination! Can you believe it?! In a sc-fi novel, no less!

Because he doesn't want you to! He asked you nicely!

Wow, good thing you didn't blow that out of proportion. You might have sounded like a buffoon.

I think what he's saying is that there are many people that don't need to be searched. Police officers, for instance. Are they not already trusted and scrutinized? Active duty military. Those with security clearances. I am former active duty military with 4 separate concealed carry permits issued, all with background checks done. I have a Top Secret clearance, with three separate extensive background checks done. And I have a polygraph done, during which I was asked if I was a terrorist. And I passed. So one branch of the federal government is sufficiently convinced I am not a terrorist to allow me access to sensitive materials. But the TSA has to treat me like a terrorist, because they're not allowed to keep a record of me. There are millions of people in the US who don't need to be treated like terrorists every time they travel. If those who are already trusted can proceed with minimal checks, then it would make it easier to check everyone else.

At least, that's how I interpreted his remarks. YMMV.

It's more like...a guideline.

You clearly haven't read the book. Short answer is no it's not. Kurzwell goes into great detail how AI, nanotech, and other technology will allow us to slowly merge with technology until we are no longer just biological. If you are going to make pronouncements as what the singularity is, at least read the damn book.

I dunno, that video is at least twice as exciting as opening the box for a mobile phone!

How about a video of this robot's box.

Yeah, that's kinda why it's funny. Or did you think you're the only person who knows what sand is?

Yeah, well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.