X-Message-Number: 22947
Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2003 10:38:34 -0800
From: "John Grigg" <>
Subject: Life extensionists wanting to be heard in a world of conflict

Rudi Hoffman wrote:
I agree that those of us in the "progressive" life extensionist community 
need to speak up with a louder voice.  The "AIDS" analogy is compelling and 

accurate.  A difficult, multi-faceted elusive death sentence is largely overcome

through research and public awareness and funding.  It ain't gonna be easy, and
it ain't gonna be cheap.  But it IS a worthwhile and vital goal.   And a 
national initiative similar to dollars thrown at Cancer, AIDS, or "Homeland 

Security" could win the fight against ageing.  (Let's start with "Licking Bush 
in 
2004!)
>


I never made the connection before with the aids conflict of "And the Band 
Played On" and the battle over potential life extension technologies.  Would a 
cryonicist version of "Act Up" be a good thing?  From what I have read they are 
now "part of the establishment."


Does Bush really have a chance of being beaten in 2004 by a democratic 
challenger?  With his abridged occupation plans for Iraq now drawn up I see the 
American people not being so likely to vote him out of office.  

you continue:
How many billions are we spending in Iraq on a dubious venture to reduce the 
risk of terrorism?  Perhaps a hundred billion or more.  
>


Personally, I think overthrowing Saddam's regime of murder and rape was a noble 
thing.  We just did it under false pretenses which combined with an obtuse 
attitude toward the U.N. has created a great deal of ill will with the global 
community.  Sadly, the son does not have the diplomatic skills of the father.


I admit I blanche at the amount of money being spent on this.  I support the war
but wonder if the end result will be a longterm democracy or simply a 
"pro-U.S." dictator rising to power.  We have an incredible opportunity with 
Iraq but perhaps the seeds of democracy will not grow in such rocky soil.


Viet Nam derailed the war on poverty in this country and so we continue the 
trend by choosing military adventures over education or biotech research.

you continue:
In the US, we have had perhaps about 3000 people killed in a "terrorist" 
attack.  As Reason points out, we lose about 50 times that many EVERY DAY to 

aging.  And no one is dramatically and forcefully pointing out what a RIDICULOUS
disconnect this is.  
>


9-11 was not a "terrorist" attack?  I don't understand why you had "terrorist" 
in parantheses.  I would say Osama and his agents fit the bill of terrorist 
extremely well.  


The problem regarding aging & death is that it's seen as a natural part of life 
which is to be accepted.  But as the somewhat limited mainstream biotech 
research makes progress toward successfully slowing the aging process we will 
see much more investment and work targeted toward what we desire.  I realize not
everyone on the list can wait the 10-30 years for that to happen and finally 
bear fruit.  

you continue:
It is goddam outrageous.
>


But not enough people out there agree, because defeating aging is not seen as 
truly doable yet by the larger society.

you continue:
Terrorists probably won't kill you.  But aging and death certainly will 

unless we AGGRESSIVELY take action.  I am searching for a slogan, related to 
this 
reality.  
(end)


Mother Nature is a harsh mistress considering our limited lifespans.  How about 
"Mother Nature is the Ultimate Terrorist!"  Nope, transhumanists have already 
done enough to irritate the environmentalists.  

you continue:
How about "You are 18,250 times more likely to die because of Leon Kass than 
Osama Bin Laden?"  
(end)


After people read your bumper sticker they will go home and type "Leon Kass" 
into a search engine to find out who the heck he is!  At least I hope they would
remember the name long enough to do so.

you continue:
Too long, I know.  We need sound bites that work.  I know the readership on 
this list is too intellectual for sloganeering work.  We are as a whole 

intellectuals who disdain the sound bite and slogan, preferring reasoned, 
nuanced 

dialogue and full disclosure.  But we need a rallying cry that "sings, compels,
annoys, and replicates"
>

Didn't we have a bumper sticker slogan thread not too long ago?

you continue:
We need a "HELL NO, WE WON'T GO" chant against the real terrorists...aging 
and death.
>


People will see that as the sniveling whines of the spoiled baby boomer 
generation.


You could go the anger route with your marketing of immortalism or you could go 
the love way.

"I love my family this much"
       www.alcor.org

Family values combined with cryonics or biotech themes just might do the trick.

John Grigg


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