Affine defects and gravitation

We argue that the structure general relativity (GR) as a theory of affine d efects is deeper than the standard interpretation as a metric theory of gra vitation. Einstein-Cartan theory (EC), with its inhomogeneous affine symmet ry, should be the standard-bearer For OR-like theories. A discrete affine i nterpretation of EC (and gauge theory) yields topological definitions of mo mentum and spin (and Yang-Mills current), and their conservation laws becom e discrete topological identities. Considerations from quantum theory provi de evidence that discrete affine defects are the physical foundation for gr avitation.