The Thursday letter, “Why create robots to take jobs we need?” almost begs the government to outlaw automation. To do so in the 1950s might require me to write this letter to the editor by means of a stenographer taking my dictation, typing it and putting it into an envelope, address it, stamp it and run town to the corner mailbox with it.
Or, she could drive down to the newspaper with it, push the elevator button and tell the elevator operator which floor to take her to. The operator would “drive” the car up to the correct floor with a handle that would allow the car to go up or down and then vary the speed as the floor approached. As the door opens, the operator announces, “Floor Seven.”
On the way home, stopping for gasoline, the secretary would ask, “Six gallons of regular.” While filling, the attendant would check the oil level and show the secretary the dip stick and maybe recommend a quart of oil for 36 cents. Following the windshield cleaning, the secretary would be told the price, perhaps $1.17, in 1950 prices for which she would pay with cash. She enjoys driving a car with a built in radio. Radios are optional on new cars, and she hopes she can afford one when she gets her own vehicle.
My point is that every innovation makes our lives easier, and people whose jobs are being replaced need to find other work or create their own job. For this letter, I only had to pull out my cell phone, text the above comments and push, “send.”
John C. Fawcett
Everett
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
