June 02, 2006

The Good and Bad of Progress

Glenn Reynolds has written a whole book on how technology and markets have empowered an "Army of Davids." There is a downside to this progress which Glenn acknowledges: the improvements can be for both good and bad. The knowledge and ability to synthesize makes life-saving drugs possible it also allows someone to collect enough ricin in a shed to kill scores. Don't be surprised one day to read a story about someone producing weapons-grade uranium in their basement.

"FBI to Search House After Finding Ricin"

UPDATE: Texas governor Rick Perry wants an "army of eyeballs" scanning the U.S.-Mexican border:

The plan will allow web users worldwide to watch Texas' border with Mexico and phone the authorities if they spot any apparently illegal crossings.

Texas Governor Rick Perry said the cameras would focus on "hot-spots and common routes" used to enter the US.

"Web Users to 'Patrol' US Border" [via Engadget]