Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="William Ronald" data-source="post: 14109" data-attributes="member: 426">I don't think the missionary comparison the Prime Directive is valid.In the episode where Q is made human, Q sarcastically states that maybe he should become a missionary.  Data replied that would be a noble profession.  It seems unlikely that Data, who follows the Prime Directive, would think highly of missionaries if they violated the prime directive.Also, I suspect that the people in the Third World are generally grateful for what access they have to modern medicine.  A large part of the population growth problem is due not only to lack of contraceptives, but economic and cultural issues.  (In relatively poor countries, having many children helps to ensure that someone will be around to care for you in your old age.  In contrast, people in wealthier societies tend to have less children.)While I missed the episode, I have mixed feelings about the Prime Directive.  Should cultural viewpoints other than my own be treated with respect.  Generally, yes. (Some view points I refuse to respect.  Namely ones that allow the abuse of the individual.) However, most societies will pursue their own interests when dealing with other cultures.  I think the best we can hope for is that enlightened self interest prevails.Unfortunately, the Prime Directive has become a rather shaky plot crutch.  It is violated by the best officers in Star Fleet.I personally prefer the Babylon 5 approach of helping when you can but being respectful of another's culture.  Are there likely to be unexpected consequences? Yes, just like any other policy.Also, here is a tough question.  You are the leader of a planet where the Federation ignored either an atrocity or a disease and many people died.   You are fully aware of this, and your civilization has just gained warp flight.  What would you think of the United Federation of Planets?  What would you say to one of their representatives?  If the Federation needed help, would you give it to them?</blockquote>

Verification