Excerpt from: plugged in, but tuned out: the evil influence of ear buds darrell thomas people refuse to recognize the danger of ear buds because they simply love their ear buds too much to give them up. ear buds are probably doing serious physical damage to their inner eardrums or even the brain itself, but apparently that doesn’t bother anyone. i shudder to think of what the future will be like if we continue on the path of ear bud slavery we’re traveling. next time you’re tempted to plug in and tune out, remember my warning. either we learn to live without ear buds, or we’re going to turn into a nation of complete zombies. is that where you want to live? the author concludes that because of the dangers ear buds present, they should be tossed into the trash or, at least, never used. what would be a more moderate conclusion for him to make? a) that all ear buds be destroyed immediately b) that only live music be legal, and all other forms outlawed c) that all music be banned from being played at any large, social event d) that people learn to use their ear buds safely, without endangering themselves or others