Monty by Jim Meddick for November 14, 2016

In the richest country in the history of the world, we have yet to figure out a way to make sure that everybody’s basic needs are taken care of without a work requirement. Half the population (little children, retired people, students, disabled, institutionalized) doesn’t have to work at all, but way too many of the remaining half has to work their tails off for very little money and no security. This isn’t right. We can do better.

That’s why I signed up for a class in robot repair.

Grunt work is being done by hydraulics. That came way before computers.

I was born without a tail. Makes it hard to land a job that requires me to work it off.

I’ll be the guy who adds grit to the 3-in-1.

Vonnegut, Player Piano.

And those who were put out of work by technology can blame it on others rather than themselves for not realizing society was changing, become disgruntled alt-righters, and vote for Trump.

or we could watch TV and take up hobbies, I mean once robots can do all of the jobs would we even need money?

The gym I go to has five mild guidelines for members—cell phones, don’t drop weights—my favorite is #4: “Do not grunt.”

I think E.B. rather relishes the idea of A.I. superiority and dominance over puny humans. It could be a great and glorious age for the new highest form of evolution….