To Program or Not to Program

While perusing through my favorite web comics, I saw this xkcd comic about automation. While I have agree with Randall Munroe's comments on how attempting to automate can go comically wrong, I also believe that it can be used for good. Also, I understand that the comic in question is attempting to be funny, and it is showing the worst sides of programming for a laugh. However I feel that it is an excellent opportunity to explain my thoughts on why being able to write simple automation style programs is good.