Re: Ada Operating System

[Richard Riehle <richard@adaworks.com>]

Adrian Hoe wrote:

> Perhaps the world will have more peace if without Ada (or any other
> programming languages) supported advanced weapon systems. :)

A study of history suggests that war is the natural state of human interaction,
not peace.   Every country that has unilaterally disarmed, or welcomed a
stronger country as a guest, has been finally conquered by that stronger
country.

An example is Tibet.  Tibet was once a militarily strong nation, with warriors
feared by every neighbor.  Tibet disarmed and sought a peaceful way of life.
China conquered and annexed Tibet.    Mexico once welcomed citizens of the
United States to live in its country as guests.   The United States , in 1846,
decided guest status was not good enough, and conquered much of Mexico,
annexing Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, etc.   The Nazi's ran
amuck through Europe and were only stopped by military might.   It would
be wonderful if the disagreements between countries could be solved with
peaceful means, but it is rarely possible.   Al Capone used to say about
getting results with a kind word, "In my neighborhood we get things done
with a kind word and a gun."    Reality is awful.  But it is real.

If Ada makes a contribution to the dependability of our weapon systems,
and makes us slightly more effective than our potential enemies, so be it.
If, as the science fiction authors suggest, we are someday to be overcome
by another race of intelligent creatures from beyond our own solar system,
they will be nothing more than conquerors, even if benevolent ones.  Our
technology will seem puny to them.

Richard Riehle