[ExI] Moooon

[Dan]

Regarding the using-Luna-as-a-refuge (or a way station to a refuge) scenario, one benefit of going there now would be that it would shake all the kinks out of using it as a refuge and also rap up the capability. You don't want to have to figure all this stuff out in the midst of an emergency. Also, this will insure that more people could actually avail themselves of it -- rather than a tiny group selected by the superpowerful. Of course, this is all a long shot, but, if you're betting that way, why not do it right? 
 
Regards,
 
Dan

From: G. Livick <glivick at sbcglobal.net>
To: ExI chat list <extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 4:26 PM
Subject: Re: [ExI] Moooon


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.)
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