> "It takes an open minded culture to achieve technological advancement. The brightest people may come from anywhere, from any background, sex, or sexual prefer

> "It takes an open minded culture to achieve technological advancement. The brightest people may come from anywhere, from any background, sex, or sexual preference." The US managed to become a superpower despite excluding half of their potential work force (see HN post re: IBM from yesterday) and suffering from rampant, systemic racism. The USSR became a superpower despite incredible repression This announcement by Iran may look like a joke, but I don't think an enlightened, liberal society is a prerequisite for acquiring power.