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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Janx" data-source="post: 5595972" data-attributes="member: 8835">Interesting topic.The OP seems to assume that Transporters and Replicators (which are really the same thing, just applied differently) have a zero expense.  Or at least, to have any dramatic impact, that which powers them must be so trivial so that they are economical to build and distribute widely.That might mean devices in every house, block, or town.  But the assumption is, wide enough that everybody can get practical use out of it.Obviously disease spreading by Transporter is a concern.  Just like airplane are today with things like bird flu.And transports helping you get to work in another country, also means cheaper labor in India can be porting here to do your job directly.  It goes both ways.I find the premise that if people didn't need stuff (because food and items are free), we would work on a Reputation economy to be not quite precise.  Great chef's might have some pull to those who want an original custom meal.  But the majority of us are happy eating the exact same McBurger we ate last week.  So having a better McBurger that is replicated satisfies that problem and reduces the great chef's value.People are people.  And somebody is always looking to screw somebody else to get ahead, or just for fun.  Sex is still going to be a tool and a weapon, because you can't Replicate that.  Secrets are still a weapon, because you don't want everybody know that you tried to have sex with the Replicator.  The people who hold the reins on sex and secrets are still going to get ahead.And you can bet, somebody's going to want to control the mass of individuals.  it may even server their interests that you stay home, addicted to your Replicator, and login regularly to vote and approve on their legislation to protect your right to Replicate with a rider on it to increase the power of the Senator who wrote the bill who also has stock in the Replicators Inc company.Just because you have every material thing you want, is no reason to assume the game of life is won.  Somebody is playing for higher stakes, and is quite happy that you like your material things so he can manipulate your supply.Ignoring terrorists, there are sociopaths and jerks who will pee in your cheerios, just because they can.  the New Economy will still be Us vs. Them.</blockquote>

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