The Magic Button

[drscott]

One of the conventional types of science fiction story has the hero discover some "magic" device -- a time-traveling watch, invisibility, teleportation. Usually this leads to trouble -- rarely does the hero act cautiously in exploring the parameters of this new power.

So here's my question: suppose you came into possession of a magic button that allowed you to painlessly remove from existence any person or persons of your choice at the moment you pushed it. Would you use it? And on who?

Comments

[bjarvis.livejournal.com]

My commute to work would be a lot easier. :-^

[dr-scott.livejournal.com]

How venal. So you'll make your life trivially easier? Isn't there something more grandiose you could do? Oh, I forget -- you're Canadian. Limited imagination. :)

[tdjohnsn.livejournal.com]

uh oh...I think you just made his list...or are we also positing that it can't be used on you? :-)

[dr-scott.livejournal.com]

It's a thought experiment, so feel relatively safe. Anyway, I was almost a Canadian citizen, so I'm allowed to kid around.

[airporter.livejournal.com]

Careful, please. We take a while to insult, but find inventive means of obtaining vengeance.

In a totally peace-keeping manner, of course.

[dr-scott.livejournal.com]

"Canadian vengeance" is sort of like "military intelligence" -- it may exist, but it's somewhat short of the genuine article. Like attending a Unitarian Universalist service for the fiery preaching.

[airporter.livejournal.com]

There are worse stereotypes. :-)

[bjarvis.livejournal.com]

I blame the creeping evil influence of living in the greater DC area for the past 9 years.

[airporter.livejournal.com]

Hmm. Canadian in DC? I'm sure some of it has rubbed off. I can't even visit without that happening. 9 years, hmm.

[bjarvis.livejournal.com]

Yeah, my initial vaccination has definitely worn off. sigh