New World Order and Tech: My Struggle to Find "Ethical Computing"
January 30, 2025,
Nigh on ten years ago, after coming into some unexpected money and with my then computer quickly reaching obsolescence, M'Lady, and I decided that rather than buy a branded machine, we would have our local computer specialist build me my dream machine.
By building rather than buying, we supported the local economy, had no worries over corruption in customs, lowered our carbon footprint, and we knew that if problems arose it would be a lot simpler to get the dream machine repaired. All good things then and now.
At the time I was very involved in digital photography and the photo processing software took, for then, a lot of power. The years have passed, and the dream machine is still going strong. But the technology is so old it cannot be upgraded to W-11. Which means that before October of this year, I need a new dream machine. However, in the last ten years, my computing needs, the needed dream machine's capabilities and the world we live in have drastically changed.
A convicted felon now lives in the White House. New World Order Oligarchs now control the information flow into our world. The cell phone (a small but powerful computer) brings instant misinformation and gratification to the masses. These changes make the purchase of my new computer and how I use it, a deeper and more challenging moral / ethical dilemma.
My New Reality
I no longer require humongous storage and outstanding graphics. The passage of time has taken the inevitable toll on my body and raised serious questions about the propriety of continuing on with a highly technical, elitist and expensive passion. Poor eyesight, hand tremors and a tendency to fall over have forced me to give up my photography.
To replace photography, I have rekindled an older and nobler passion, 'Social Justice'. I try to live the teachings of the Goddess of Mercy, Buddha, Micah, Jesus and others.
- Do Justice
- Offer Mercy
- Walk Humbly
- Awaken to the spirit within
- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
- Morality
- Ethics
- Governmental Oligarchies
- Sustainable Development
- The ever-evolving New World Order
- Tech companies
- Social platforms
- Peace
The Challenge Is To Be Both On And Off The Grid
1) Most people consider both 'X' and 'Facebook' necessary to build up a blog's readership. However, neither of these platforms are based on a do justice, offer mercy, walk humbly way of doing business. I believe that getting cherries from a lemon tree is impossible.
This means I can't use social platforms based on anger and bullying to promote Social Justice, which is based upon doing justice, offering mercy and walking humbly. Translation, no X or Facebook. It has been suggested, and I have tried other platforms to get my message out. For the most part, my attempts have failed. The one exception is Sway but as it is a Microsoft platform I'll not be using it.
2) Big Tech bought its privileged position in Trump's New World Order in many ways. One of which was by being a major contributor to Trump's inauguration. Corporate America run by the New World Order Oligarchs by and for their own good donated a record-breaking 170 million dollars. Microsoft, Facebook, Google, and Apple are all part of Big Tech. They support the first American President to take office as an unrepentant convicted felon and a self-declared Imperialistic Colonizer. Can I do ethical blogging using their unethical products? it's like saying you are against the Athabasca Tar Sands and arriving at the protest in your macho-man pickup truck. I would lack all credibility if I didn't minimize my Big Tech New World Order connections.
3) Trump proclaims that the Gilded Age of America has begun. If this is the truth, ask yourself how this beginning was brought about. Near or at the top of the list of enablers would be the amoral Oligarchs and the companies they control. And yet to do my blogging I need the tools/infrastructure that the Oligarchs control.
The Moral Minefield of Tech
Trump's New World Order has brought about a new and disturbing Rule by Right of Wealth to the American Presidency. My struggle to live to my better angel's ideals. Now is the time to explore one possible alternative. Not a perfect alternative, but it's a start.
Asus Computers
"It's great that you're asking these important questions about Asus! Here's a nuanced look at their practices:1) Eco-Friendliness:
Positive Steps: Asus has made public commitments to environmental sustainability. They focus on:
Responsible Mineral Sourcing: They aim to source minerals like tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold from conflict-free smelters, adhering to standards like the OECD Due Diligence Guidance.
Recycled Materials: Asus incorporates post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics and recycled paper in their products and packaging. They've also used ocean-bound plastic in some products.
Energy Efficiency: They strive to exceed Energy Star standards with their products and aim to reduce energy consumption.
Recycling Programs: Asus offers recycling services in many countries, including drop-off, mail-back, and trade-in options.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement:
Complex Supply Chains: Tracing and ensuring ethical sourcing throughout their complex global supply chain remains a significant challenge.
Limited Information: Detailed information on the specific percentages of recycled materials used in various products can be difficult to find.
Overall Impact: While they've made strides, the overall environmental impact of electronics manufacturing is still substantial, and Asus, like other companies, needs to continuously improve.
2) Ethical Practices:
Industry Standards: Asus is a member of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) and adheres to its Code of Conduct, which covers labour practices, health and safety, environmental protection, and ethics.
Audits and Assessments: They conduct regular audits and risk assessments of their suppliers to ensure compliance with their standards.
Transparency: Asus publishes sustainability reports and provides some information about its ethical sourcing and labour practices.
Ongoing Concerns:
Supply Chain Complexity: Ensuring ethical practices across the entire supply chain, especially with regards to labour conditions in factories, remains a challenge.
Limited Public Data: More detailed, publicly available data on audit results and specific actions taken to address ethical concerns would increase transparency.
3) Workforce Treatment:
RBA Code of Conduct: As an RBA member, Asus commits to upholding labor rights and providing a safe and healthy work environment for its employees.
Information Limitations: Publicly available information specifically about Asus's workforce treatment is limited.
Third-Party Assessments: Independent assessments and reports on working conditions in Asus's factories and within their supply chain would provide a more comprehensive picture.
4) Military Technology:
Limited Public Information: There is no readily available public information confirming Asus's direct involvement in military technology development or production.
Components in Wider Applications: It's possible that some of their components could be used in various applications, including those with military applications, but this is common in the electronics industry.
Company Policies: Asus's specific policies on military-related contracts or involvement are not widely publicized.
Overall:
Asus is taking steps towards greater environmental sustainability and ethical practices, particularly in responsible mineral sourcing and recycling initiatives. However, like many companies in the electronics industry, they face challenges in ensuring full transparency and accountability across their complex supply chains. More detailed public reporting and independent assessments would be beneficial for stakeholders to fully evaluate their performance in these areas.
It's important to remember that this is a complex issue, and Asus's practices should be considered in the context of the broader electronics industry. Consumers can play a role by continuing to ask these questions and supporting companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability and ethical conduct." (Gemini)
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For the record, I have no attachment to Asus. I am using them as an example because they produce a computer that nicely answers my technical needs at a price I can afford. And while they are not 100% as far as my ethical moral position is concerned, they are apparently trying hard to be a good neighbour rather than a New World Order power player.
"Asus is not owned or run by a single oligarch. It's a publicly traded company with a diverse shareholder base. Here's a breakdown of its ownership structure:
Public Company: Asus is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2357).1 This means that its shares are available for purchase by the general public, including individuals and institutional investors.
Founders and Executives: Asus was founded in 1989 by four engineers who previously worked at Acer.2 While these founders and current executives hold significant shares in the company, they don't represent a single dominant owner or an oligarchic structure.
Institutional Investors: A significant portion of Asus's shares is held by institutional investors, such as investment funds, pension funds, and other financial institutions. These investors make decisions based on financial performance and represent a wide range of stakeholders.
No Single Dominant Owner: There is no individual or group that holds a majority stake in Asus, which ensures that no single entity has absolute control over the company.
Key Points:
Asus's ownership structure is more dispersed than that of a company owned by an oligarch or a small group of individuals.
Being a publicly traded company, Asus is subject to greater transparency and regulatory oversight compared to privately held companies.3
The diverse ownership structure can contribute to a wider range of perspectives and interests being considered in the company's decision-making processes.
While the founders and executives still play a significant role in the company's leadership, Asus's status as a publicly traded company with a diverse shareholder base means it is not owned or controlled by an oligarch or a small group of individuals with concentrated power." (Gemini)
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As things stand Asus is a company that I am comfortable supporting. Comfortable but not ecstatic. Their undisclosed military connection is a red flag. As are one or two other areas. But in our interconnected interdependent world where no person or corporation is faultless I either compromise or walk around naked and only eat the food I produce.
Wrapping It Up For This Post
Every choice brings consequences. My choice to live a better life means:
- Supporting the New World Order Oligarchs is not a good idea.
- Using social media that is based upon conflict and fear rather than justice mercy and humility is not allowable.
- I'd rather not give my business to the very people that are enslaving us as they amass their fortunes.
- my personal credibility is necessary for this blog to work
Please use the comments section to suggest ways for me to blog ethically and work around the New World Order Oligarchs.
Brian
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