algorithms.”
Britnev smiled playfully. “I suppose, then, that everything you need to know about a person is contained in the software programs he writes?”
“Depends upon the person. Or the software.” She flashed her most charming smile back at him.
Strasburg shook his head. “The whole subject is depressing to me. Computers are taking over everything. The ‘singularity’ is nearly upon us, and humans will soon no longer be the highest form of intelligence on the planet.”
“The highest form of intelligence? I’m afraid we lost that title the day the first human invented the war club,” Myers said. “Maybe computers will do a better job at politics than we have.”
“Unless it’s the same politicians who are writing the software. As a trained software engineer, Madame President, I’m afraid you possess a distinct advantage over the rest of us.” Myers had been the CEO of her own software-engineering company before she ran for governor of Colorado.
“Hardly. It won’t be long until we’ve developed software that can write its own software, so we poor humans will soon be out of the loop.”
“That’s a frightening thought, Madame President,” Strasburg said. “I’m glad I won’t be here when that happens.”
“It probably already has, Karl. They’re just not talking about it.” Myerstook another sip of coffee, then set the cup down on the table in front of her. “So, Ambassador Britnev, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit today?”
Britnev set his cup down, too. “First of all, President Titov asked me to send his personal condolences to you at your time of loss. The Russian people grieve with you.”
“Please thank President Titov for me for his kind thoughts.”
“He also pledges any assistance he can give you in your search for the murderers. We are not without some influence in Mexico and President Barraza seems to be a reasonable fellow.”
“We would greatly appreciate any assistance he can provide,” Myers said.
“We also understand borders. Unlike you, we have a thousand-year history of enemies violating ours.”
“An ocean on either side is our distinct advantage.” She grinned. “And Canadians to the north. Couldn’t be better neighbors.”
“Yes, Canadians. An amiable folk. Not like the Azeris.”
Myers and Strasburg shared a glance. So that’s why he asked for this meeting. Oil-rich Azerbaijan had just changed regimes.
“I should think you would welcome a peaceful, nonviolent, and secular revolution on your periphery,” Strasburg said.
“With a curiously pro-democracy, pro-Western, and pro-NATO orientation,” Britnev countered. “They almost sound Canadian, don’t they?” He chuckled at his own joke. “But maybe they’re more like the Mexicans, also swimming in oceans of oil and instability.”
“We’ll have to wait and see, won’t we? But so far, the Azeris don’t seem to pose any problems for your government, or am I missing something?” Myers asked.
“I believe Khrushchev said much the same thing to Eisenhower when Castro first came to power,” Britnev said.
“It was the Soviet missiles Castro allowed onto his island that caused the problem, as I recall,” Myers said.
“Ah, yes. I believe that is a correct understanding of the history, Madame President.” Britnev smiled.
Myers held his gaze. Is he worried about NATO missiles being deployed in Azerbaijan?
“And as I recall, the United States has a history of resolving its border issues with Mexico in a very direct way,” Britnev added. “Should I inform our government to expect a few fireworks? Frankly, we wouldn’t blame you. Sometimes the iron fist is the only solution. Don’t you agree, Dr. Strasburg?”
“This administration is pursuing other options. As the proverb says, ‘If all one owns is a hammer, then every problem looks like a nail.’”
“We’re committed to reducing our military footprint around the world,” Myers said. “The global community
Britnev smiled playfully. “I suppose, then, that everything you need to know about a person is contained in the software programs he writes?”
“Depends upon the person. Or the software.” She flashed her most charming smile back at him.
Strasburg shook his head. “The whole subject is depressing to me. Computers are taking over everything. The ‘singularity’ is nearly upon us, and humans will soon no longer be the highest form of intelligence on the planet.”
“The highest form of intelligence? I’m afraid we lost that title the day the first human invented the war club,” Myers said. “Maybe computers will do a better job at politics than we have.”
“Unless it’s the same politicians who are writing the software. As a trained software engineer, Madame President, I’m afraid you possess a distinct advantage over the rest of us.” Myers had been the CEO of her own software-engineering company before she ran for governor of Colorado.
“Hardly. It won’t be long until we’ve developed software that can write its own software, so we poor humans will soon be out of the loop.”
“That’s a frightening thought, Madame President,” Strasburg said. “I’m glad I won’t be here when that happens.”
“It probably already has, Karl. They’re just not talking about it.” Myerstook another sip of coffee, then set the cup down on the table in front of her. “So, Ambassador Britnev, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit today?”
Britnev set his cup down, too. “First of all, President Titov asked me to send his personal condolences to you at your time of loss. The Russian people grieve with you.”
“Please thank President Titov for me for his kind thoughts.”
“He also pledges any assistance he can give you in your search for the murderers. We are not without some influence in Mexico and President Barraza seems to be a reasonable fellow.”
“We would greatly appreciate any assistance he can provide,” Myers said.
“We also understand borders. Unlike you, we have a thousand-year history of enemies violating ours.”
“An ocean on either side is our distinct advantage.” She grinned. “And Canadians to the north. Couldn’t be better neighbors.”
“Yes, Canadians. An amiable folk. Not like the Azeris.”
Myers and Strasburg shared a glance. So that’s why he asked for this meeting. Oil-rich Azerbaijan had just changed regimes.
“I should think you would welcome a peaceful, nonviolent, and secular revolution on your periphery,” Strasburg said.
“With a curiously pro-democracy, pro-Western, and pro-NATO orientation,” Britnev countered. “They almost sound Canadian, don’t they?” He chuckled at his own joke. “But maybe they’re more like the Mexicans, also swimming in oceans of oil and instability.”
“We’ll have to wait and see, won’t we? But so far, the Azeris don’t seem to pose any problems for your government, or am I missing something?” Myers asked.
“I believe Khrushchev said much the same thing to Eisenhower when Castro first came to power,” Britnev said.
“It was the Soviet missiles Castro allowed onto his island that caused the problem, as I recall,” Myers said.
“Ah, yes. I believe that is a correct understanding of the history, Madame President.” Britnev smiled.
Myers held his gaze. Is he worried about NATO missiles being deployed in Azerbaijan?
“And as I recall, the United States has a history of resolving its border issues with Mexico in a very direct way,” Britnev added. “Should I inform our government to expect a few fireworks? Frankly, we wouldn’t blame you. Sometimes the iron fist is the only solution. Don’t you agree, Dr. Strasburg?”
“This administration is pursuing other options. As the proverb says, ‘If all one owns is a hammer, then every problem looks like a nail.’”
“We’re committed to reducing our military footprint around the world,” Myers said. “The global community
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