[TheForge] Meteoric iron - wrap it in foil

[Andy Vida]

Darrell wrote:
> 
> Steve,
> I just used an extreme to carry out the view that making a profit is the
> only criteria for making a sale.
> One of the items that I sell is a computer control for a milling machine. I
> have refused to sell that control package to any of the mid-east companies
> because terrorist parts could be made with that machine and I have no way of
> knowing who would and who wouldn't.

	This is a noble thought, but I suggest that it is not very
	well considered from the standpoint of practicality.  If I
	am Osama-baby and want one of your controllers, I will get
	it with ease, unless you are going to close up shop.  Even
	then I can get one used, or I can have my minions steal one
	from someone to whom you have sold it.  I remember when
	Hardinge lathes were considered munitions and their export
	to the Soviet Union was prohibited.  Well, plenty of DVMs
	and HLVs made it into Soviet hands.  Short of closing one's
	borders, there is no way to prevent an enemy from getting
	their mitts on something you have, and even then...

	Also consider that your policy pretty well paints all people
	from that region with the same broad brush.  Do you think that
	this is really fair?  It is tantamount to saying that there are
	no trustworthy Arabs, even though I'm easily willing to assume
	that this is not your intention.  Unless you are presented with
	very specific evidence to suggest cause for suspicion, I don't
	think you have a well reasoned basis for your policy, but that
	is up to you and your conscience.  I'm just pointing out the
	flaws; I'm certainly not suggesting you change.

	Best wishes.

	-Andy