There is a theory that our universe consists of nothing but
energy and information.
This is rather startling, for our own eyes tell us that a
plethora of things exist, from trees and puppy dogs to the Milky Way and Taylor
Swift. But upon closer inspection, we see patterns everywhere. Taylor Swift is
composed of human cells which are organized in a predictable fashion to form
bones and muscle and nerves. Her brain is wired into patterns of neurons which enable
her to create patterns of sounds with which to entertain us.
Patterns are created by information which imposes regularity,
repeatability, predictability. Waves on the ocean, the facets of a diamond, and
Taylor’s DNA are all examples of patterns, hinting at the hierarchical
structures underneath. Energy, coalesced into matter, organized by patterns on
top of patterns. An entire universe could conceivably be computed if one’s
computer were only powerful enough.
Consider “Minions,” “Despicable Me,” and Warcraft – movies and
video games representing entire worlds, entertaining and engrossing, but in fact
existing only as strings of ones and zeroes arranged in clever patterns within
a computer.
Here are some other
examples of information. The Constitution of the United States. The Ten
Commandments. The Koran. Not just the paper and words, but the thoughts and
beliefs represented by these documents – all information.
We humans are
respectable computers – information processors – in our own right. This has
always been true, but what is new is the digital age. The ease with which ideas
can flow, be shared, discussed, embraced or rejected is enormous. The digital
age has really just begun, but it has already profoundly affected the ways in
which we interact. Social memes ebb and flow across the internet, tweeted and
posted and shared with the click of a button or a swipe of your phone.
This virtual world is becoming more and more real, and as
more of us participate, with increasing facility and ease, physical borders and
impediments dwindle to insignificance. Mountain ranges have long since ceased to
be barriers. Rivers are instantly crossed by crackling electrons carrying our tweets
through the ether. Oceans shrink, deserts are conquered. Information binds us,
aligns us, encouraging alliances, creating schisms, and flows with the speed of
light, imposing patterns upon mankind.
Such as the recent successes of ISIS. Nothing but a credo, a
belief system, ISIS is reaching out to disaffected millions with their message
of empowerment. Join us, and be strong. Support us, and be someone. Come to Western
Asia and Africa and help us to build the caliphate. Stay at home and attack
from within. Professional YouTube videos present targets and means and tactics.
The draw is magnetic, the FBI is concerned.
The recent attack on our military in Chattanooga is an
example. The perpetrator, a young male, was stirred to action, exactly how we
will never know. But his actions are consistent with ISIS directives. We can
expect more such attacks.
Attempts to minimize, to label this a “lone wolf” or “lone
gunman,” to deny the link to terrorism, are blatantly political.
There is nothing at all “lone” about it. Mohammod Abdulazeez
was one of an army of recruits, potentially millions strong, who are formed and
trained and inspired every day by a sophisticated social media program. This
threat must be recognized and confronted.
While the Administration and Department of Defense dawdle, several states
are moving rapidly. Florida, Indiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas and
Wisconsin have all taken various steps to arm their National Guard members on base
and in recruitment centers. More states are reviewing security measures and,
one can hope, we will see additional measures adopted.
During the first battle for Fallujah, in the halcyon days
when all the fighting was “over there,” a captioned photo of combat Marines was
circulating around the internet bearing this legend: "America is not at war,
the Marine Corps is at war. America is at the mall."
Those days are gone. ISIS is bringing it. We must recognize
the threat and prepare to defend ourselves.
Like it or not, America is at war, and broad oceans offer little solace.
No comments:
Post a Comment