Our Expression of Gratitude
Such resignation is intolerable to the everoptimistic Lerner. "Helplessness is not part of my vocabulary,"' 37 asserts the defender of American ingenuity.
In its remarkable trajectory thus far, America has transformed its
technologies and has been transformed by them, always emerging as a more complex organism. It is a mistake to think of the current technology merely as a new toy for the senses, a new "thing"' to be possessed and exploited, a new form of materialism. 38
But the key word in Lerner's credo is "complex,"' not "better."' And the substitution could never be made, for it is the same Lerner who warns against "'[u]nchecked capitalism in the marketplace of ideas"' 39 and who cautions that "with the thrust of technology, the dangers [of the commercial culture] are very much present."' 40 With a strong faith, Lerner denies the Huxleyan dilemma, while grudgingly confessing its significance for the modern first amendment.
We are indebted to our colleagues in this Colloquy for helping us to set the first amendment in bold relief. Now, the paratroopers prepare to cross the Rubicon, with the knowledge that the time for jumping draws nearer.
