We're looking at the dawn of a new arms race. For example, Germany technically opposes the US space militarization program, but is bound to get involved. Otherwise it will be left behind in the development of advanced technology. Germany understands that very well. The US understands it too, and they fully expect that Germany and other countries that they want on board will go along with the program.

It is a virtual reflex for governments to plead security concerns when they undertake any controversial action, often as a pretext for something else.

Tough love is just the right phrase: love for the rich and privileged, tough for everyone else.

In the 1960s, there was a point, 1968, '69, when there was a very strong antiwar movement against the war in Vietnam. But it's worth remembering that the war in Vietnam started - an outright war started in 1962.

You cannot control your own population by force, but it can be distracted by consumption.

I don't know what it means to say that 'the internet should have a voice in Washington'.

While language can surely be used for communication (as can much else), communication probably has no special role in its design or evolution.