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Literally all of the equipment used to kill people, from the rifles, to the bullets, to the fighter jets, to the parts to repair the fighter jets, are manufactu
by jgowdy 9y ago
Literally all of the equipment used to kill people, from the rifles, to the bullets, to the fighter jets, to the parts to repair the fighter jets, are manufactured by private companies in the United States. So I’m confused by your confusion in thinking that Google’s assistance in the drone program is somehow the first private company to participate in providing goods and services that are directly involved in killing people. Is Google somehow more culpable than the companies that make the bullets or bombs? How is providing software and computing power for that any different? You don’t think a private company writes the software that targets things for jets and missiles?
- oldcynic 9y agoThe majority of which will have been produced by armaments companies. It would be strange to be outraged if, for example, Lockheed was doing something for the military, as they are primarily a defence company. Some might choose not to work for them for that same reason. Google are a search and advertising company so it's not terribly surprising there's some negative reactions.
- cma 9y agoGoogle has honored existing Boston Dynamics military contracts while owning them.
- godelski 9y agoAnother thing to consider is how companies like BD get money. A LOT of research money comes through military. It is an unfortunate side of things. Lots of people think the tech is cool and exciting, but stop there. The military says "this is cool and exciting AND we can use it. Here's some money." There will be spinoffs, but this is a big reason a lot of funding comes through the military. They have money.
- sixothree 9y agoI remember this very discussion happening at the time of that acquisition.