Posted on 05/07/2013 9:58:34 AM PDT by EveningStar
When I saw the replicators on Star Trek, it looked cool. You could order up anything you wanted, any time you wanted. In the later series, you saw how the supply was limited by available power and restrictions on what could be replicated. In short, the replicators eliminated most traditional manufacturing - and gave the people in charge the ability to ration everything and control material specifications, too.
It wasn’t freedom from material want. You saw people who had darn near no possessions at all, even with families with two kids. You got food and endless entertainment, but not “stuff” beyond your allotment.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.