Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site hoxna.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxj!ihnp4!cbosgd!cbdkc1!desoto!packard!hoxna!kfl From: kfl@hoxna.UUCP (Kenton Lee) Newsgroups: net.college,net.flame Subject: Re: Does someone REALLY belive this? Message-ID: <382@hoxna.UUCP> Date: Wed, 7-Nov-84 08:59:56 EST Article-I.D.: hoxna.382 Posted: Wed Nov 7 08:59:56 1984 Date-Received: Fri, 9-Nov-84 06:38:18 EST References: <1668@ucf-cs.UUCP> Organization: Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ Lines: 15 xxx I agree that computers are over-used (abused?) in modern American society. How many times have you tried to make a transaction at your local bank/travel agent/motor vehicals office/etc. and have gotten the reply "I'm sorry I can't help you, our computer is down". The systems implemented in these organizations are so computer-dependant that human back-up is impractical or impossible. Also, skilled positions are being replaced by semi-skilled or unskilled jobs, which deteriorates the quality of life in this country. I think too much weight is being placed on short term local productivity gains, without looking at longer-term, society wide, problems produced by mechanization. Ken Lee hoxna!kfl