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The Next Millenium (r)

(written by iearn@iearn.org, 03/22/1996)

/* Written  9:54 AM  Nov  7, 1995 by coldspring in igc:iearn.tc */
To: peg:sthildas
From: coldspring@igc.apc.org
Subject: The next millenium

Dear Natalie Read,

I agree with you in that our world looks like it will be
destined for destruction through the next millenium.  If you
just review the "advances" that have occurred in the past one
hundred years, it is frightening to think what may be
created in the next century. The atomic bomb was first used
in 1945 and now fifty years later, the nuclear weapons that
we have can destroy the planet many times over - what
progress we've made! Just think what new weapons our
technology will be able to breed.
Unfortunately, nuclear wars are not the only thing to
fear.  If we survive long enough (if world peace is ever
achieved), we still have to confront the problems facing our
environment.  It seems that with most technological advances
comes threatening pollution, radiation, etc.
I do agree that the younger generation may have a better
chance to deal with world problems because of the reduction
of prejudices.  Now, decisions are hardly made without
considering prejudices.  So, if we can cleanse the younger
generation of prejudices maybe it will be able to make
decisions as adult political leaders that take into account,
primarily, world benefit.
It is hard to believe what life will be like in the year
3000, considering where we were a millenium ago, when
Europe was pre-medieval and the whole American hemisphere was
unknown.  The rate at which today's society is changing is
extraordinary and I have a hard time seeing what the world
will be like in ten years rather a thousand.  But, I do know
that in the immediate future our main priority ought to be
the elimination of the threat of war and the creation of
global peace.  A goal just as important as the first is
preserving our environment, because if other threats are
eliminated, we will still need a clean and healthy earth to
live on peacefully.

Matt Baskir - grade 11