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The Ambassador
The Ambassador
All Earth needed was a good stiff dose of common sense, but its rulers preferred to depend on the highly fallible computers instead. As a consequence, interplanetary diplomatic relations were somewhat strained—until a nimble-witted young man from Mars came up with the answer to the "sixty-four dollar" question.
Book Excerpt
larity of your nose is just enough to keep you from being too pretty, Lindsay." He smiled and added, "You certainly stirred up a cyclotron with your speech this afternoon. The British are planning a white paper."
"I merely stated facts as I know them," said Lindsay.
"They aren't used to facts--not unless they have been computer-processed," said the senator. He seemed pleased for some reason, added, "You may have broken some real ice, Lindsay. I've been trying for years to work out a way to tell people computers are robbing them of all powers of decision."
"All they have to do is confine them to mathematical problems and let people decide human ones," said Lindsay.
The Secretary General cleared his throat. He said, "Without the computers there would be no United Worlds. There would be no world at all, probably."
It was a rebuke. Carlo Bergozza redonned his spectacles and rose from the table. He said, "If you'll excuse me I have some business to attend to. I'm sure my daughter
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The Martian colony, now independant but still economically controlled by Earth, sends an ambassador to the home planet. At this time, all decisions of any kind are made by computers, and all Earthlings are equal: equally ugly. Wearing masks, padding, and harnesses to make themselves unattractive, their main persuit is developing new allergies.
The ambassador's task is to free Mars from Earth control. Since Earth is run by machines, he assaults the machines.
A few nice character twists, some understanding of human nature, and an okay plot. It's good to see that in the future people will still be smoking and computers will still rely on punch tape.
The ambassador's task is to free Mars from Earth control. Since Earth is run by machines, he assaults the machines.
A few nice character twists, some understanding of human nature, and an okay plot. It's good to see that in the future people will still be smoking and computers will still rely on punch tape.
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I found this to be an engaging and interesting tale,and recommend it.
11/08/2010
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