[ExI] Moooon

[G. Livick]

Stefano,

Hold on just one dern minute here!   Sending vehicles to the moon is fun 
science, even if there isn't much to be gained from it beyond the basic 
research, and the spin-off technologies.  Ignoring that we may have more 
immediate needs for the money spent on these pursuits, such as finding a 
cure for idiocy, and addressing the emerging epidemic of low IQ in some 
nations, I, as a scientist and engineer engaged primarily in the field 
of fun science, would be the last to suggest we don't send ships up 
there.  The objection is limited to sending humans to do a robot's job.  
No scientist made the decision to do that.

In regards to Spain, et al., sending ships out to explore the oceans, 
visit new lands, meet exciting new people and then kill them, was driven 
by motives much superior to science alone; namely spices and gold, and 
other commodities in short supply, such as Negroes.

I agree that we may be posed to follow the dinosaurs into extinction, 
although not out of a surplus of common sense.  If that gets started, we 
may need to build a few rockets and fly ourselves to the moon to live.

--
FutureMan
(note; I'm actually Gary Livick, but prefer the Nom de Clavier of 
FutureMan to retain some anonymity.  For what purpose anonymity, I don't 
know, but I beg your forbearance.)


On 7/21/2011 3:09 AM, Stefano Vaj wrote:
> 2011/7/21 GLivick <glivick at sbcglobal.net <mailto:glivick at sbcglobal.net>>
>
>     Humans going to the moon is, and always was, a bad idea
>     scientifically.  It was a political decision to go there.
>
>
> Sure. This is also true for America, by the way. An entirely political 
> decision.
>
> There was never any real scientific rationale for Europeans in 
> crossing the ocean and taking the pain of stealing local natives their 
> territory.
>
> It is just a consolation that by now we know better, and are ready to 
> follow dinosaurs and other extinct populations on the path of common 
> sense and practicalities.
>
> -- 
> Stefano Vaj
>
>
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