Retribution not enough

[David Honig]

At 01:17 PM 10/22/01 -0700, Steve Schear wrote:
>
>One of the great long term hopes for nanotechnology is the "cornucopia" or 
>StarTrek replicator, a device which can "manufacture" from raw materials 
>and information a broad variety of consumables and hard goods.  If it ever 
>does come about and is not something centrally controlled and monitored a 
>'la Stephenson's Diamond Age, it could usher in an age of individual 
>sovereignty the likes of which the world as not known since its transition 
>from hunter gatherer to agriculture.  It might also spell the end of economy.
>
>steve

Replicators exist.  They're called computers.  They can only replicate
bits, but
they do so well enough to make Jack Valenti mess his diapers.

As to the end of the economy, see Schneier (et al?)'s _Street Performer
Protocol_
(IIRC) paper.  But you knew that.