Op Ed with Bob Branco – The Limitations of Computers
The computer is a fascinating tool. I think most of us would agree that it makes life much easier. Without my computer, it would be much more difficult for me to publish my own magazine and do other practical things.
As great as the computer is, though, society is perhaps depending on it too much. It’s getting to the point where all of our problems have to be resolved by going on the internet. If you want to apply for a job, you almost always have to go online to fill out an application. If you wish to do banking, most of it is now performed online. There is shopping online, dating online, and the registration of your motor vehicle online. For every ten times I ask someone for advice, I am asked 9 times to get the answers online. Well, I don’t always want to solve my problems online. I’d like personal satisfaction–and I won’t even begin to describe that some websites are challenging for the blind due to their graphic orientation.
I recently heard a rumor that the Government may no longer send letters in the mail informing us of our cost of living adjustments and that instead, we will be informed online. This can’t happen. Computers are not invincible; and important paper correspondence cannot go away.
Many people, especially the elderly, do not own a computer because they either can’t operate one or don’t want to learn how to use one, which is their right. To me, it’s wrong if you deny those of us who don’t own a computer the right to receive regular paperwork in the mail, whether it’s for social security information, prescription drug information, job information, or any other important correspondence that we need to deal with during our lives.
The post office is a great example of how to be all inclusive. It is designed to serve everyone, but not everyone has a computer. I’m sure you heard of the slogan for mail carriers which tells us that they work through rain, snow, and all other types of weather. Do they tell us that we need to use the computer in order to receive mail? No, that’s ridiculous. Though the computer may become a necessity, it is still considered a luxury for many people, whereas the post office is totally necessary, and they truly understand that.
I heard that there is a movement against the Government’s attempts to terminate the mailing of Social Security correspondence. I would like to join that movement, and I hope you do, too. Some things are far too important to only be delivered digitally.