X-Message-Number: 4354
Date: Fri, 5 May 1995 14:42:25 -0700
From: "Martin R. Olah" <>
Subject: Politics on Cryonet

  (MR RONALD SELKOVITCH):

>I have been waiting patiently for a similar objection from Paul to the
>highly political messages (#4323,4337) from Jim Davidson.
>Sad to say it didn't materialize and has confirmed my fears that politics
>is only unwelcome here if it doesn't contain  either Libertarian views or
>the usual Clinton bashing.

I have also been waiting for people to respond. The reason I didn't post an 
objection was because I kept expecting more frequent posters to jump in, and I 
didn't want to sound redundant.

There are many times I don't post for that very reason. Recently it was
mentioned that a fanatical cryonicist could end up doing something like the
Oklahoma bombing. Although true, I find this a bad time to be making such an
observation. We are much more likely to be VICTIMS of such an attack. We don't
need to make people more paranoid than they already are.

I also objected to the posting of Quayle jokes, but it looked like that may    
have been done by mistake. Poking fun at someone who the Entertainment 
(aka News) media had already softened up for you, and is no longer a relevant  
target, is neither sophisticated nor particularly appropriate to this forum.
The political/philosophical postings this generated where also for the most
part out of place.

There, now I'm all caught up on my objections.

>I guess its a good thing that I have already made a firm commitment to
>Cryonics because I am beginning to believe there is not much room for
>anyone who is not ultra Conservative.(Let alone left of center).
>Am I the only one who feels this way?.

I don't know. As a libertarian type myself I don't have a problem with the 
politics of many similar cryonicists. I do not envy your feeling of being a 
bit on the outside. Since cryonics is about fighting death, then there is room 
for all sorts who are willing to join the struggle.

>Has any one dared to consider that a Socialized medical system may be more
>sympathetic to Cryonics than the private system we have now. Isn't it
>worthy of debate.

OK. You asked.

Yes, a socialized medical system COULD be sympathetic to cryonics. But if it
is antagonistic instead, we are all going to die. Since the government isn't 
doing suspensions for us, then private systems (ourselves) HAVE to do it.
And if you feel government has the right to make your decisions for you, I 
guess you won't object if it's banned. But you shouldn't be surprised that
other people living under such a system may take great offense to a government 
death sentence. 

If you want to help cryonics, whatever your reasons, then that's what's 
important here. But people supporting statism over individual freedom may be
seen as somewhat counterproductive to some of us. Regardless, I agree that we
should stick closer to the subject on this list. If that means saying less
than so be it.

                               Martin


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