Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Yeah, yeah, so perhaps things are looking up on the political front (although, if absolutely pressed, I'd still argue that the game is up, as far as humanity's continued reign as this planet's dominant land mammal is concerned).

But on a slightly more positive front, even as NASA's manned spaceflight program withers and convulses before our eyes, there's still reason to be excited about space. I'm with Stephen Hawking: if we can make it "off-world" -- and stay there -- there might be something to say for a human legacy.

If not, in 100 years no one's going to give a shit about Obama.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

As much as I dislike humanity, it's pretty resilient and considering our survival from the last major impact 12,000 years ago, I don't think climate change will remove us. I don't doubt numbers will fall, but picking society backup should be significantly easier than starting from scratch.

Anonymous said...

Agreed, unless a meteor hits the Earth or the poles physically flip, I don't think she'll shake us off that easily. I do agree we need to get off planet to increase our odds though.

Not that it will be an easy go but we are significantly further ahead than previous civilizations. Restarting or maintaining a certain standard won't be as difficult, even in the face of dwindling populations due to climate, agricultural or economic hardship.

-Denny

Anonymous said...

I find the lack of current enthusiasm for space exploration depressing. I want stuff to happen in my lifetime goddamit.

Mac said...

Gareth--

I just went to Change.gov and voiced my pro-space opinion. Can't hurt, I suppose.

Unknown said...

I will do the same. Tks for the heads-up.

Rod Warner said...

... off this cop-ridden planet, as Old Bill Burroughs used to say...

although they'll probably follow...

Phentermine said...

What you are saying is a horrible mistake.