The Police Computer Speaks

[Policeman with shoulder holster, standing in front of large 1970s computer]: ‘Modern methods have transformed police work: this computer, being entirely logical, is infallible in its reasoning…’

[Policeman reaches to press button]: ‘As it has been progammed with all known facts about the terrorists, it can reveal their real motivation, so that we can plan counter-measures accordindly… If I just press this button…’

[Computer]: ‘Bleep Buzz Bleep..’

[Computer]: ‘…Bleep These people behave as they do because they hate the injustice, alienation and oppression of the social system, and, speaking logically, I must say I tend to agree with them…’

[Policeman, looking weary]: ‘… Well, I suppose there’s no real substiute for the man on the beat…’

From Black Flag, vol.5, no.5 ([June] 1978).