Here is one job that I wish automation would not replace | Eastern North Carolina Now

I doubt if there will ever be a robot that can calculate the value of a human life.

    Some jobs lend themselves to automation. Some jobs just require too much human thought. Any jobs that are overly repetitive will eventually be replaced with robots.

   Ted McDonald has posted a good review of that. Here is the link to his post and video.

    Even if we get to the point of artificial intelligence allowing machines or robots to make the decisions that we currently expect humans to make, there will always be a place for human decision-making.

    The old TV series Star Trek explored the dichotomy that exists between logical and human interaction. Spock for all his logical proclamations was imbued with just a tad bit of Humanity. That may have been the genius of Gene Roddenberry's contribution to entertainment.

    Nevertheless, there are certain jobs that could be automated but should not. Those jobs require a value judgement that can only come from a human. I would place policemen high on that list of jobs. They must make quick decisions based on limited facts and observations. They know when they start their shift that almost anything that they do ends up in either in a court of law or in the media. The training and instincts developed over years will aid them in the performance of their duty. Their next encounter could be their last or could end in a long protracted debate over what they should have done.

    Most of us go through life with the most major decision we make on a daily basis is what to have for lunch. For policemen that decision probably ranks close to the bottom.

    Policemen by the very nature of their job have an opportunity to deal with the scum of the earth as well as the average citizen. They must be on constant guard about using stereotyping in identifying potential threats. They are accused of profiling when they make a judgement on a possible course of action.

    There will always be abuses in any system or profession. Not all bankers are crooked, not all rich people stole their money, not all conservatives are full of hate and not all southerners racist.

    Maybe the only absolute thing left in this world of political correctness is that when the preacher looks out over the congregation, all the people in the church including him are "sinners".

    So maybe we should take a pause and try to cut these public servants some slack before we crucify them in the metaphorical sense. If we don't heed this admonition, maybe the next time you need a cop, he will decide it just ain't worth the hassle.

    Now for the PC disclaimer: robots, policemen, preacher, him, and sinners is used in the non-gender specific context. I am fully aware that I could be called a sexist if I do not include this disclaimer. Maybe I should ad sexist to the list above.