brucec@iddic.UUCP (Bruce W. Cheney) (12/16/84)
rcb's comments about implementing the Leibowitz Project (LP) with modern computer technology with power backup via solar cells are interesting, but the idea is flawed. Given a nuke war of virtually any magnitude and proximity, the MOST IMMEDIATE effect will be EMP (electro-magnetic pulse) that will destroy virtually all but the most radiation hardened electronics. A work-around can be found, but it's not cheap. One of the basic concepts of LP is to store the knowledge in the simplest form possible. An all out nuke war toe-to-toe with the Ruskies will blast us back to Civil War Era technology (and no further, but let sevener and milo thrash that out), a good size meteor hit would be a lot worse. Recovering with LP requires only two skills: 1) breaking concrete, 2) reading. High tech solutions require a lot more skills. Will the survivors have those skills? But to me, the best concept about LP is that it is SO CHEAP to participate. A quality book: $30 Concrete/other materials: $10. So, I (or you) CAN SAVE CIVILIZATION FROM NUCLEAR WAR FOR $40. So listen all you freeze-fanatics and selfish-survivalists, its time to look at the 'big picture.' You freeze folks figure you can't do anything unless you get the WHOLE WORLD to do it YOUR way (what an ego-trip !!), you survivalists figure since you can't get anyone else to do it your way, screw-em and save your own ass. You are both wrong: an individual can take action that can greatly increase the chances for survival of intelligent life in the universe. Phew... OK, I'm done. Give me a minute to get ready for the attack of the pea-brained nitpickers. iddic!brucec