The Supreme Court of the US has just determined that 3D CAD files of weapons are protected under first amendment “freedom of speech”. Anyone with what is today, a very expensive 3D printer, will be able to print components for their own firearms.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Within the next five to seven years, high-quality 3D printers that can handle metal, will have dropped below a thousand dollars.
Imagine what is going to happen to the economy when all you ever have to purchase is bulk feed stock for your printer. Any small device or tool you wish will be printed at home. Stores that sell such things, along with all their employees and supporting networks will fast go the way of buggy whip makers.
While there is no love lost between me and cheetocheeks, we can’t blame this one on him. It’s been coming for many years and has been expected by any of us that follows technology.
Once again, I heartily recommend reading the following two free online works by Marshall Brain.
The immediate downside to the robot and AI trend was originally written more than ten years ago and is rapidly coming true.
This is one possible way of turning dystopia into utopia.
The biggest hurdle in all of this is the incredible power weilded by the super-rich. As a group, they will not surrender to what must be done to insure survival and prosperity for the majority of people on the planet.
As always, comments, critiques, kudos, and suggestions are all welcome.
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