Earth's Tech Level?

Well the World Builder's Handbook says there are three separate TL's
to use for each world.  The first is OVERALL TL - that which is
common for most of the inhabitants.  I would call this about TL5,
balancing it between mildly civilized masses in the Southern Hemisphere
and India with the moderately civilized masses in China and the
Mid-east.  The scond is (oh I forget-I'll call it HIGHEST LOCAL TL) -
this is the TL that is the highest, but is common to a given region.
For instance, TL8 at many major University centers around the
globe.  Finally is the NOVELTY TL, which is the highest available
TL of any item, anywhere.  Again, I'd call that an 8 for some
exotic computer and weaponry systems.

So _my_ reading of Earth's TL is ~6 with some anomalies.
Or do the rules include building your civilization on the backs
of most of the population?
- --
Richard Johnson     [email removed]
"We've learned a great deal about how to keep the American people
pacified."   Ex-CIA director William Colby after the Church hearings