Sunday, December 22, 2024

Time's Running Out!

In the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode The High Ground, the Enterprise-D crew gets involved with space terrorists who threaten to kill Doctor Crusher unless their demands are met.

Captain Picard denounces the terrorists' actions, which confuses Data. He states that according to his research, terrorism can be an effective tool to initiate change:

Data: "Sir, I am finding it difficult to understand many aspects of Ansata conduct. Much of their behavioral norm would be defined by my program as unnecessary and unacceptable."
Picard: "By my program as well, Data."
Data: "But if that is so, Captain, why are their methods so often successful? I have been reviewing the history of armed rebellion and it appears that terrorism is an effective way to promote political change.
Picard: "Yes, it can be, but I have never subscribed to the theory that political power flows from the barrel of a gun."
Data: "Yet there are numerous examples where it was successful. The independence of the Mexican State from Spain, the Irish Unification of 2024, and the Kensey Rebellion."
Picard: "Yes, I am aware of them."
Data: "Then would it be accurate to say that terrorism is acceptable when all options for peaceful settlement have been foreclosed?"
Picard: "Data, these are questions that mankind has been struggling with throughout history. Your confusion is only human."

Wow. OK, first of all, I can see why this episode was banned or heavily censored in the UK for decades. It's pretty much an endorsement of terrorism, which probably wouldn't have gone over well in Ireland. It was also counter to TNG's typical peacenik "Let's All Get Along" philosophy.

The bigger issue though is that according to TNG the Irish Unification is scheduled to happen this year! Jaysis! Let's get with it, people of Ireland! As of this post, you've got just NINE short days to unify yourselves, unless you want to make a liar out of Data!

Between this and the Bell Riots that didn't happen this past August, 2024 was not a good year for Star Trek predictions!

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