VLSI%DEC-MARLBORO@sri-unix.UUCP (07/19/83)
From: John Redford <VLSI at DEC-MARLBORO>
***** SPOILER *******
Did anyone else wince at the ending of Hogan's "The Genesis Machine"? The plot
is that this Einstein-class physicist agrees to build the ultimate weapon for
the military. It can detect and destroy anything on Earth or in near space at
the speed of light. He then turns the tables on them by programming the
control computer to destroy any sign of offensive military action. Not a bomb
can drop without it taking notice and disintegrating the plane. Plus the
thing is programmed to protect itself against attempts to dismantle it. The
military grumbles a bit, but the world as a whole breathes a sigh of relief
and settles down to centuries of peace.
We've been complaining about the movie "WarGames", but here are similar
inanities from a man who used to sell computers. What happens to this system
when it crashes? How can it be maintained? How can a system programmed
by one man withstand the assault of all the National Security Agencies
of the world? Well, see, this guy is so smart that he's done everything
perfectly the first time, without tests or previous experience at this sort
of thing. Pfui. If an author who was that close to the realities of
engineering doesn't understand it, then how can we expect Hollywood types to.
John Redford
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