MISSION TO MARS FOR MILITARY BENEFIT, NOT JUST "SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY"
President Bush unveiled his proposal for a new space program Wednesday by invoking the spirit of explorers Lewis and Clark, saying, "They made that journey in the spirit of discovery . . .America has ventured forth into space for the same reasons" But the president didn't mention that members of his administration view space as the next frontier for military buildup and conquest.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld chaired the Commission to Assess United States National Security Space Management and Organization four years ago, releasing its findings in January 2001. Rumsfeld's report found that "we know from history that every medium -- air, land and sea -- has seen conflict. Reality indicates that space will be no different." The panel also concluded that "given this virtual certainty, the [United States] must develop the means both to deter and to defend against hostile acts in and from space."
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld chaired the Commission to Assess United States National Security Space Management and Organization four years ago. Rumsfeld was announced as Bush's choice for DoD Secretary weeks before the commission releasing its findings in January 2001. Rumsfeld's report found that "we know from history that every medium -- air, land and sea -- has seen conflict. Reality indicates that space will be no different." The panel also concluded that "given this virtual certainty, the [United States] must develop the means both to deter and to defend against hostile acts in and from space."
The president's focus on space exploration because it "improves our lives, and lifts our national spirit." However, behind the scenes, USA Today reported that Bush was persuaded to move forward in part due to the military benefits, as promoted to him by Vice President Cheney. The Center for American Progress' Progress Report yesterday noted an appearance by Republican Congressman Tom Feeney on Scarborough Country where he stated, "Somebody is going to dominate space. When they do, just like when the British dominated the naval part of our globe, established their empire, just like the United States has dominated the air superiority, ultimately, whoever is able to dominate space will be able to control the destiny of the entire Earth."
Feeney's comments echo PNAC's September 2000 report Rebuilding America's Defenses, which said, "Much as control of the high seas - and the protection of international commerce defined global power in the past, so will control of the new "international commons" be a key to world power in the future."
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Rumsfeld does have a point.
There are several ways to disrupt this dangerous space arms race.
In keeping with one of Mayor Jerry Brown's concepts as governor, the City of Oakland should immediatly launch its own space program. Our first team of Oakla-nauts should include State Senator Don Perata, Jane Brunner, Jean Quan, Rick Fernandez, Jaques Barzaghi, a panda and four oakland hills goats. The Oakla-nauts should be launched aboard four old Gillig AC Transit buses converted for space flight. Once in orbit they could mindless resolutions with impunity. Aside from the obvious benefits to Oakland, the city could recoup its costs by selling the rights to broadcast it as a new Fox reality show. We'll also learn if goats can conceive human embryos in space.
Joke forwarded by undisclosed recipients
NASA and the Navajo
When NASA was preparing for the Apollo Project, it took the astronauts to a Navajo reservation in Arizona for training.
One day, a Navajo edoer and his son came across the space crew walking among the rocks. The elder, who spoke only Navajo, asked in a question.
His son translated for the NASA people: "What are these guys in the big suits doing?"
One of the astronauts said that they were practicing for a trip to the moon.
When his son relayed this comment the Navajo elder got all excited and asked if it would be possible to give the astronauts a message to deliver to the moon.
Recogning a promotional opportunity when he saw one, a NASA official acompanying the astronauts said, "Why certainly" and told an assistant to get a tape recorder.
The Navajo elder's comments into the microphone were brief. The NASA official asked the son if he would translate. So the NASA people took the tape to a nearby Navajo village and played it for other members of the tribe. They too laughed long and loudly but also refused to translate the elder's message to the moon.
Finally, an official government translator was summoned. After he finally stopped laughing the translator relayed the message:
"Watch out for these guys. They have come to steal your land."
Galen & Val
Whitey on the Moon
A rat done bit my sister Nell.
(with Whitey on the moon)
Her face and arms began to swell.
(and Whitey's on the moon)
I can't pay no doctor bill.
(but Whitey's on the moon)
Ten years from now I'll be payin' still.
(while Whitey's on the moon)
The man jus' upped my rent las' night.
('cause Whitey's on the moon)
No hot water, no toilets, no lights.
(but Whitey's on the moon)
I wonder why he's uppi' me?
('cause Whitey's on the moon?)
I wuz already payin' 'im fifty a week.
(with Whitey on the moon)
Taxes takin' my whole damn check,
Junkies makin' me a nervous wreck,
The price of food is goin' up,
An' as if all that shit wuzn't enough:
A rat done bit my sister Nell.
(with Whitey on the moon)
Her face an' arm began to swell.
(but Whitey's on the moon)
Was all that money I made las' year
(for Whitey on the moon?)
How come there ain't no money here?
(Hmm! Whitey's on the moon)
Y'know I jus' 'bout had my fill
(of Whitey on the moon)
I think I'll sen' these doctor bills,
Airmail special
(to Whitey on the moon)
Copyright Gil-Scott Heron, 1972.
Re "Whitey on the Moon", A great one Larry Fine! May Jeanette's legacy to us all, OAKLANDNEWS live on ! Val Eisman
Posted by: Val Eisman on January 22, 2004 08:02 AM*This discussion has been closed. No more comments may be added.*