On Fri, 23 Apr 1999, Richard Erlacher wrote:
> No, Sam, those were not necessarily MY attitudes. I, after all, was only 6
> years old during most of 1952. However, I'd submit that my statement is
> more or less correct, inasmuch as most Americans had no idea what a digital
> computer was in 1952. My grandfather worked for one of New York's large
What does having "no idea what a digital computer was in 1952" have to do
with being able to afford one? Can you make an argument and stick to it
please?
<...>
> whatever was the model of the day, and they got the work done. That's what
> the average American thought of when you asked him about a computer, though
> most didn't really even recognize the word.
Ok, thanks for that history but it does nothing to further your argument,
nor does it have any relevance to your assertion.
> In 1954-55 a friend of my parents bought an airplane for $300. He also
> liked those British sports cars, which traded, 2nd-hand for about $300 in
> the late '50's, though they were not that "reasonable" by the time I wanted
> one (goodness only knows why I wanted it).
Oh?? I thought $300 was hardly an amount one could afford to be spending
in the 50s! Seems like it wasn't that big of a deal after all.
> Back to the attitudes . . . I certainly hope that you don't purport YOUR
> attitudes to be typical. I know mine aren't. What brings balance to a
> discussion is the presentation of perceptions.
No, I'm not so arrogant (or myopic).
> One other point . . . I don't know how you can claim to know about what's on
> the mind of an "average" American. People who, ten years ago, were rabidly
I made no such claim. However, you pretty much DID make such a claim.
Sellam Alternate e-mail: dastar_at_siconic.com
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Received on Sat Apr 24 1999 - 03:16:24 BST