X-Message-Number: 8383
Date: 16 Jul 97 19:29:55 EDT
From: "Stephen W. Bridge" <>
Subject: Marty's Probabilities

To CryoNet
From Steve Bridge
July 16, 1997
 
In reply to:
 
Message #8369
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 19:35:18 -0700
From: Marty Nemko <>
Subject: Nagging questions
 
     Several people have already replied to Marty's specific objections,
so I won't say much about those.  One could argue with anyone's particular
figures; but definitely Marty's "Billion to one" scenario is more a
product of pessimism than of careful calculation.
 
     One angle that hasn't been explained, though, is much more basic: no
matter WHAT the actual chances of most of those factors, *we can influence
them.*   We are not seeds being blown by the wind.
 
     Marty (and others):
 
-- You can choose and *support* the group you join (and the other groups,
so you have a back-up).
-- You can work to raise public support for cryonics (and its related
technologies).
-- You can make sure to provide above-minimum funding to your cryonics
organization.
-- You can arrange emergency supplemental funding to be held outside your
cryonics organization.
-- You can set up a trust in many states which will last for 99 years and
may "pay you back" in the future, with compounded interest.  In a couple
of locations, it may be possible to form a perpetual trust, with no close-
out date.
-- You can organize or join local cryonics groups to give yourselves a
better chance at being preserved under good circumstances.
-- You can donate or invest money for research in cryonics and related
technologies.
-- You can convince your family that you have the right to your own
decisions and only consult with physicians who agree.  You can sign the
LEGAL DOCUMENTS with a cryonics organization to prevent your family from
interference (at least legally).
 
     Yes, there are many things in life that we cannot control.  We can't
do a thing about falling meteors or nuclear war.  So give yourself as much
margin as you can, then act.  Sitting still does not work.
 
>2. What's the current thinking on the pros and cons of CryoCare vs.
>Alcor?
 
     Marty, the current thinking is:  CryoCare members think you should
join CryoCare.  Alcor members think you should join Alcor.  Cryonics
Institute members..., ACS members...
 
     As humans, once we have made a choice, we exert a great deal of
internal energy to persuading ourselves that we have made the right
choice.  This is true whether we are talking about selecting mates, cars,
computers, or cryonics groups.
 
     You will not receive an objective opinion on this question here on
CryoNet.  Even if we COULD be objective, we can only guess about what
group will be the best for you in 20 years (or whenever you actually need
its services).
 
     So go join the group YOU think is best now; then work hard to make it
survive and grow.
 
Steve Bridge
Alcor Board Member

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