I first read about it years ago and you captured my reaction perfectly.
comin' straight from the underground
White Smoke, the story setting of a kid moving from comfortable village life to an urban environment where he struggles to fit in. He forms an unlikely friendship with a retired neighbor who just happens to have been a top secret wordsmith and problem-solving specialist for the government and the oligarchs. Through this friendship, and teaching, White Smoke gains confidence and a reputation. As his legend grows in the area, it became common to hear "Hey. Trust me. You don't want that smoke!
As someone living in the US, it's wild that people would come here for a sport event. Even the biggest sporting event.
That would be so hilarious. People would be drinking beer and laughing at the story 100 years later.
I've only caught the flu maybe twice in the past couple decades. But it seems to hit me hard when I do catch it, so I get the shot for almost purely selfish reasons. I know that getting the shot helps in all the ways you point out, but for me that's just the cherry on top.
Now I'm seeing a Starship Troopers style ad for flu medications using citizens who are doing their part.
Seems like at that speed he'd only have to sit up and the wind resistance would push him back enough.
I, for one, am looking forward to the protests.
They signed up to be mercenaries. I don't feel sorry for them in particular.
I've always liked how Doctorow thinks about larger social issues with regards to technology, both promises and criticisms.
Every time I read or hear someone say that, I picture this old meme:
Thank god we live in a society that holds people in positions of power accountable. Amiright?