The information technology (IT) people back in the early years predicted that “the world will blossom” with the influx of information to every corner of the globe, much in the same tone I remember as a child hearing from intellectuals of the “endless bounty of ocean fish.” The world yet remains buried in war, disease, famine, mistrust, exploitation, deceit. If any bloom at all, it is artificial. You can lead people to information, but still they do not see. You can lead people to nutrition, and they will abuse it.

Recently a Newsweek cover story attempted to perpetuate the IT myth that IT is saving the human race. The article (Droids) wreaks of self adulating high-tech standards. The droids can fry eggs for breakfast but cannot help millions in starvation. And it appears the IT nerds don’t give a rip. The droids tell the nerds that IT remains a profitable investment, since more humans are being born than are dying in wars, sweatshops and starvation camps.

The “Green Revolution” in overseas food production falsely claims similar virtuosity. Sadly, corporate intervention in that process has led to massive exploitation, creating a new unaffordable dependancy on patented seeds, pesticides, fossil fuels and artificial markets. Many crops grown, such as rice, are less nutritious than original local varieties. But huge Western Ag businesses don’t give a rip either. All they want are customers in a food production/customer generating pyramid scheme. Classic imperialism. And this country lives by example, spending far more resources on junk food and electronic gadgets then on nutrients for body and mind.

And now IT wants a piece of the action also. Second and third world distribution of IT gadgets is just the worm on the hook. The techno-narco effects of these gadgets are clear.

The National Institutes of Health predicts one third of this country’s children, at some point in their life, will become overweight and diabetic. No worry, right? When they collapse from a heart attack or diabetic seizure they can easily get help through touch screen. Handy.

Patrick Cunningham

Twin Lakes