Thank you for the long comment. Before now, I had thought it was the exclusive preserve of Abigail-dantes to receive them. Now, I can see that I'm moving up in the world :)
But seriously, it is easy to see that you are just a wonderful, caring, thoughtful person. Your concern with technologies that have numerous applications is valid. No matter how menial a job is, it is somebody's dream job and it must feed a family somewhere. Therefore, anyone who takes it away owes the world a duty of care to consider the lives it must change in its wake.
On the flipside though, your man has a point when he says that we can all focus on other things. I mean, just a couple of years ago I felt it was bliss having a paid job but now here I am very satisfied running a small poultry and writing science articles and discussing with you fine people. Life is a gift but most often we don't know what's best for us. As a talented man put it, we often run around like children asking for toys but the Universe, as a proper parent denies us some of them knowing they are choking hazards. While we think that working as checkout assistants is the ultimate job for some people, walking around the shop and holding conversations with customers to ensure they have everything they need may be a more satisfying job. And because more is done with less, it may turn out to be a better paying job.
If you, being in Germany do not completely trust governments, just consider how much I must trust them :) Did I say you're wonderful? Yes you are. I am glad you visited my blog today and I hope I have touched on all the points you raised. German sure can write English!
You have my gratitude from Nigeria.