computers may be eleborate light switches, but the brain is a big pile of gunk. So what? This doesnt mean much.

The important thing is in the structure, and nothing forbids a computer or computer program from becoming conscious. Is it likely to happen soon? I doubt it. But eventually, It seems almost inevitbale that a computer will be as conscious as we are.. the fact is, at a certain point, you cant really say for sure...