It's Turing's birthday, a day to remember that the brilliant mathematician and computer theorist was an enormous part of the UK's early lead in developing computers -- until he ran afoul of laws criminalizing private sexual behavior. Turing was gay, at a time when same-sex acts were illegal, and after arrest, trial and conviction, he lost his security clearance and was effectively unemployable in cutting-edge work. Subjected to harsh and unusual treatment that sidelined his solo efforts, he is believed to have committed suicide.
Approve, disapprove or ignore his affectional leanings as you wish, but bear in mind the cost to free individuals and to society in general when prejudice is made law.
All of us owe a debt to Alan Turing that can never be paid. If not for his brilliance and persistence, there's a good chance we would not be here today.
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