With all of the discussion about Hard Times and Tech Level loss no
one has yet mentioned the social dynamics at work. What about
the social pressures exerted by the populace of a planet?
The first place people look to solve problems like this is the
government. Especially if it's democratic in nature. What were all
the taxes collected for anyway? Officials were elected to solve
problems and people will demand a solution. Their public officials
will be the first place they'll turn to. And there will be a solution
even if it includes impeachment or revolt. People won't sit around
and let things happen. They are used to a better life and won't settle
for anything less.
And don't forget the governments themselves. What government will
want to be less techonological than it was before? It will make every
effort to recover and as quickly as it can. It may mean the poplulace
has to do without some items and luxuries but if it can convince the
people they will concede to its programs. And if that doesn't work a
new form a government will take over. One with a military flavor.
Who else controls the power. It was mentioned in previous postings:
there should be more Hitlers, Stalins, Khans, et.al. popping up all
over the place.
What do the historians, anthopologists and psycologists have to say?
Are there any on the TML?
On another note:
[email removed] writes:
> What I'd like the Traveller universe to be is a place where traders on up
>to 200kt, and fleet tankers of even larger tonnages are common, but where
>these ships have at most a handful of turrets and where a 'battleship' is
>somewhere on the order 20-30kt (destroyers: around 1 to 3kt, cruisers around
>10kt, carriers around 30kt, but lightly armed).
>
> What do people think about this goal?
I agree! I brought up a similar point a few months ago. Why aren't
there larger ships? To me it would be more economical when shipping
goods and passengers. And the military always likes bigger and better
new toys!
Mike Surman