A Minor Political Screed ‘The following piece came to (a Slashdot poster) as a personal letter from

David Brin. David is a prominent scientist and author of best-selling novels like

The Postman, who has shared entertaining and provocative views with us in the past. His letter

struck us as so biting and timely that we asked permission to post it before the whole Slashdot

community, in order to provoke your rambunctious discussion. David graciously agreed, on

condition that you all remember, it was written first of all as a private person sharing his

“cranky political opinions” with a few friends. “It goes over the top in a few places,” he

warned. “First draft expressions of outrage tend to be that way.” So as friends, let’s not get too

vexed with him. Above all David is interesting, as usual….’