Why the Amish hate Peanut Butter

Technophiles- those Luddites were right!
Pack it up boys- it’s all over!

This is the impending doom of our wired world.
Now is the winter of our disconnect.

“OK-We get the picture already! Enough drama! What the hell is your problem Mike???”
“Crap. Where do I start?”

1. My car is making funny noises when I turn.
2. My phone won’t download messages sent to me (much to the ire of the senders and to me
3. My computer won’t download porn at astonishing speeds.
4. My Blogspot won’t allow updates and I’m left with a phrase “relates themselves to” when all I want to do is replace it with “with an affinity towards…”
5. I’m not getting as many emails as I’d like to get (yes! It’s the computer’s fault!)
6. There isn’t the technology available to transport people (me) to Germany instantly for coffee with friends (my sister).
7. I can’t write the word shithead with out the little red squiggly line coming under it in Word!
8. The technology doesn’t exist to grow me hair in the paces I want it
9. Or remove it from the places I don’t
10. Computers should be more obsequious. When was the last time a computer called you “Sir”?

There are several approaches- the sociological pundits would argue that the more we rely on technology- the less we rely on humanity. The more wired and technical we get less we rely on other humans to communicate with.

Works great in theory- but let’s look no further even than this blog.

If I were to write a letter- make a hundred copies and mail it to each of you- that would certainly be a less effective mode of communication than this- and the communicative coefficient that is- the amount of communication that is presented is for the most part on par!

Then of course- there’s the Michael Crichton approach which says that all technology is fallible and will destroy us.

OK- two things- 1) Makes for a great story to sell, but in practice it doesn’t happen. Technology rarely runs amok and 2) I wouldn’t talk or I’ll just throw Congo back in your face. You can’t deny it! I know you wrote it!

So- I guess in some ways- while we rely extensively on technology- we have to remember that it is the Hobbesian Leviathan that we have created ourselves- and for better or worse- it is an integral part of our society, and economy.

We have to remember- it’s not the cause the or the cure of any ailments- it’s just a tool- Like a knife. If used improperly- yes it can slice off your hand, but do you know a better way to spread Peanut butter?