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Envisioning a Real-Time Government
Commented Nov 23, 2009 at 16:35:35 in Technology
“The sad part is, I guess this makes us (you, me, and the Founders) just what the Republicans keep calling us --- elitists.
I guess even a broken clock is right twice a day.....”
I guess even a broken clock is right twice a day.....”
Envisioning a Real-Time Government
Commented Nov 23, 2009 at 13:37:36 in Technology
“We have a representative democracy with a Bill of Rights instead of a pure democracy because the founders wanted to protect the rights of the individual against what Jefferson called "the tyranny of the majority".
How does reinstating the tyranny of the majority better our form of government? How long do you think our Bill of Rights will last, when those who never studied their history are calling the shots? Do you really think those who have a rudimentary understanding of the issues outnumber those who don't?
If we were all philosopher-kings, educated landowners, or the like, then maybe online, realtime participatory government might work. Unfortunately, a third of our kids never complete high school, and many of those that do are void of any real understanding of their nation or the issues we face.”
How does reinstating the tyranny of the majority better our form of government? How long do you think our Bill of Rights will last, when those who never studied their history are calling the shots? Do you really think those who have a rudimentary understanding of the issues outnumber those who don't?
If we were all philosopher-kings, educated landowners, or the like, then maybe online, realtime participatory government might work. Unfortunately, a third of our kids never complete high school, and many of those that do are void of any real understanding of their nation or the issues we face.”
Christina Lane replied on Nov 23, 2009 at 17:49:11
“You are making another blatant fallacy in logic; assuming I feel any differently about the averages when my arguments clearly indicate otherwise. You seem like an intelligent person. How it is that this convoluted system is in the "interests of the individual" when our media ensures that any step in that direction is undermined to the point of social and fiscal collapse, and only bureaucrats are able to navigate it. Or are you saying that only bureaucrats have anything of substance to offer other than creating "pork" to fill their own plates with. Our government institutions are top-heavy, tyranical institutions because everybody wants to be "the elite". I challenge you to measure the I.Q. and E.Q. levels of the average bureaucrat who is able to navigate this ludicrous system.
And I challenge you to validate your gutless and highly inappropriate political attack against a woman who may soon be hospitalized as a direct result of her ideas and intellectual property being milked and robbed by know-nothing simpletons who are eager to maintain the red-tape curtain of the current bureaucratic nightmare that has devolved from so many "elitist snobs" having within three generations, navigated their way into government from their lowly positions as farm hands and laborers.”
And I challenge you to validate your gutless and highly inappropriate political attack against a woman who may soon be hospitalized as a direct result of her ideas and intellectual property being milked and robbed by know-nothing simpletons who are eager to maintain the red-tape curtain of the current bureaucratic nightmare that has devolved from so many "elitist snobs" having within three generations, navigated their way into government from their lowly positions as farm hands and laborers.”
Envisioning a Real-Time Government
Commented Nov 23, 2009 at 13:23:34 in Technology
“The founders placed their new capital in a swamp, hours away from the nearest towns. They did so in order to isolate their elected officials from newspaper controversies and the popular passions of the day, so they could weigh the issues coolly and dispassionately, and judge issues on their merits, without having to answer to mobs.
We have slowly done away with that distance. 24/7 news channels report on every action and statement of our elected officials, and put on the irrelevant opinions of pundits when they have nothing else to broadcast. Daily opinion polling and sound bytes for the daily news cycle have become the norm.
Now you want to further our democracy by making our elected officials immediately responsible to their constituencies, in real time. Has anybody thought this through?
Transparency after the fact is a good thing, but what is the purpose of a representative democracy if the hoi polloi are in charge? Why bother with selecting our best and brightest, if Joe Plumber, Joe Sixpack, and every other citizen knows better?
It's been said the purest form of democracy is the lynch mob. Good luck with your pursuit of pure democracy.”
We have slowly done away with that distance. 24/7 news channels report on every action and statement of our elected officials, and put on the irrelevant opinions of pundits when they have nothing else to broadcast. Daily opinion polling and sound bytes for the daily news cycle have become the norm.
Now you want to further our democracy by making our elected officials immediately responsible to their constituencies, in real time. Has anybody thought this through?
Transparency after the fact is a good thing, but what is the purpose of a representative democracy if the hoi polloi are in charge? Why bother with selecting our best and brightest, if Joe Plumber, Joe Sixpack, and every other citizen knows better?
It's been said the purest form of democracy is the lynch mob. Good luck with your pursuit of pure democracy.”
orchids8 replied on Nov 23, 2009 at 16:20:06
“Spot on DonRoberto. While it is apparent the author has great admiration for "real time" information she neglected to reveal the same passion for real accurate information. The 24/7 news cycle has demonstrated brilliantly how the inane, trivial, and too often inaccurate is made relevant to fill airtime. Sadly, this is what the public at large is consistently drawn too and it has garnered far too much influence for the ignorant and completely uninformed.”
WASanford replied on Nov 23, 2009 at 13:39:15
“Great comment! All you have to do is look at California and see what a mess direct democracy (Propositions) has done to our state.”
Breaking The Rules With The Gap
Commented Nov 23, 2009 at 13:07:22 in Media
“Don't forget Merill-Lynch's ad campaign during Nineties --- "To Know No Boundaries", sung to "The Spy Who Loved Me".”
Lyndon Johnson, His National Security Advisor and His Secretary of Defense Say All
Commented Nov 23, 2009 at 11:07:38 in World
“I agree wholeheartedly. Thanks for the response.”
Lyndon Johnson, His National Security Advisor and His Secretary of Defense Say All
Commented Nov 23, 2009 at 08:39:34 in World
“The Bush mission in Afghanistan was nation-building, so that al-Qaeda would no longer have free run of the place. The Bush Administration seemed to view the rest of the world as a vacuum, just waiting for the USA to give it form and substance; they didn't take into account the many historical forces that resulted in the current day status of Afghanistan (or Iraq, for that matter).
Our government continues to multiply uncertainties, yet come up with the wrong answers. There is no "positive" outcome to the US presence in Afghanistan; we need to cut our losses and come home. We still have cruise missiles and satellite surveillance; let's use those more cost effective measures to deter al-Qaeda.”
Our government continues to multiply uncertainties, yet come up with the wrong answers. There is no "positive" outcome to the US presence in Afghanistan; we need to cut our losses and come home. We still have cruise missiles and satellite surveillance; let's use those more cost effective measures to deter al-Qaeda.”
OldTart replied on Nov 23, 2009 at 08:50:18
“Might I add a voice of reason: the war on Al-Qaeda is not a simple military strategy, nor can it be confined to Afghanistan or Pakistan. Nor does it make sense to invade a country and punish its innocent civilians for something they did not do, and for very, very limited objectives, thus exacerbating the situation. The "war" of the future is global, technological and much more sophisticated than "boots on the ground" in an ancient, poverty-stricken region of the world. If we don't fight on that front, we have no chance of "success," whatever that is. And that is a fight we will lose if we don't get our children educated in technology and recapture leadership in the economy and technological solutions to a 21st century world and its issues. We look positively archaic in our position. Might no longer makes right and any war that is fought must be a smart war - which means we fight with our brains, not brawn.”
white mende man replied on Nov 23, 2009 at 08:46:42
“I totally agree with your last point and that is exactly what I meant when I said the Taliban should be contained and not allowed to spread outside of Afghanistan.”
President Obama's Answers to My Questions
Commented Nov 21, 2009 at 11:14:41 in World
“Thanks for your explanation.
Yes, I agree that some talk of reparations would be useful as a gesture, but demanding such reparations as an essential precondition of any improvement in relations would be a show-stopper, and counterproductive to the larger goal of normalization.
Having said that, though, I would not be surprised if there were secret negotiations occurring between the US and Cuban governments to establish a "road map" for achieving normalization, even as I write this, and some limited reparations might be a part of that road map.”
Yes, I agree that some talk of reparations would be useful as a gesture, but demanding such reparations as an essential precondition of any improvement in relations would be a show-stopper, and counterproductive to the larger goal of normalization.
Having said that, though, I would not be surprised if there were secret negotiations occurring between the US and Cuban governments to establish a "road map" for achieving normalization, even as I write this, and some limited reparations might be a part of that road map.”
President Obama's Answers to My Questions
Commented Nov 20, 2009 at 15:36:08 in World
“Your point seems to be that complete cash reparations for the emigres' estimation of the value of their former properties would be in order.
I was not comparing the two, only mentioned it to point out that historically, reparations and the like are either not done, or done as token gestures, and never adequately satisfy those who are seeking the reparations. You seem to believe complete reparations are possible; I predict the former owners will never get their lands back, and Cuba under its current administration (and under embargo) will never be able to afford such reparations.
The question remains: Should such reparations prevent a normalization of relations and relaxation of the embargo? I would argue no, since such reparations would be punitive and can never be agreed to.
Here is where token, symbolic gestures come in. Checks may be written to surviving family members of former property owners, but they will not (and cannot) approach the real value of said properties adjusted for half a century of inflation and appreciation.
Bottom line, your talk of remuneration or compensation for lost property may result in token gestures, but nothing of substance can come from it as the current government has nothing it can afford to offer without surrendering its sovereignty. Therefore, such talk is useless if not counterproductive.
A few minutes' thought in response to my comment should have led you to these points; I didn't realize I would have to spell them out. Apologies I wasn't clearer for you.”
I was not comparing the two, only mentioned it to point out that historically, reparations and the like are either not done, or done as token gestures, and never adequately satisfy those who are seeking the reparations. You seem to believe complete reparations are possible; I predict the former owners will never get their lands back, and Cuba under its current administration (and under embargo) will never be able to afford such reparations.
The question remains: Should such reparations prevent a normalization of relations and relaxation of the embargo? I would argue no, since such reparations would be punitive and can never be agreed to.
Here is where token, symbolic gestures come in. Checks may be written to surviving family members of former property owners, but they will not (and cannot) approach the real value of said properties adjusted for half a century of inflation and appreciation.
Bottom line, your talk of remuneration or compensation for lost property may result in token gestures, but nothing of substance can come from it as the current government has nothing it can afford to offer without surrendering its sovereignty. Therefore, such talk is useless if not counterproductive.
A few minutes' thought in response to my comment should have led you to these points; I didn't realize I would have to spell them out. Apologies I wasn't clearer for you.”
bigpipa replied on Nov 20, 2009 at 21:31:52
“Thank you for a well written retort. However, I disagree with a couple of your talking points:
First, your comments: “I don't think the USA ever compensated the Confederacy for the loss of their slaves, either. What's your point?” This comment makes no sense. A better argument could have been made referring to Native Americans and the atrocities perpetrated by the U.S. government where property, assets and lives were confiscated without due process. However, the U.S. government has been making reparations to Native Americans for quite some time.
Secondly, your comment: I would argue no, since such reparations would be punitive and can never be agreed to. In order to have punitive damages, you must have a court of law approve punitive damages. After deliberations and legal arguments are presented and litigated.
Thirdly, your comments: Bottom line, your talk of remuneration or compensation for lost property may result in token gestures, but nothing of substance can come from it as the current government has nothing it can afford to offer without surrendering its sovereignty. Therefore, such talk is useless if not counterproductive.
If the U.S. government can conduct reparations with Native Americans, whom lost significantly more lives, property, culture, livestock, and everything else. Cuba at the very least, can attempt a consorted effort in beginning reparations. It would be a start, if nothing else.
I agree with you on everything else. I could go on writing about Cuba. It’s a beautiful country and modern day tragedy.”
First, your comments: “I don't think the USA ever compensated the Confederacy for the loss of their slaves, either. What's your point?” This comment makes no sense. A better argument could have been made referring to Native Americans and the atrocities perpetrated by the U.S. government where property, assets and lives were confiscated without due process. However, the U.S. government has been making reparations to Native Americans for quite some time.
Secondly, your comment: I would argue no, since such reparations would be punitive and can never be agreed to. In order to have punitive damages, you must have a court of law approve punitive damages. After deliberations and legal arguments are presented and litigated.
Thirdly, your comments: Bottom line, your talk of remuneration or compensation for lost property may result in token gestures, but nothing of substance can come from it as the current government has nothing it can afford to offer without surrendering its sovereignty. Therefore, such talk is useless if not counterproductive.
If the U.S. government can conduct reparations with Native Americans, whom lost significantly more lives, property, culture, livestock, and everything else. Cuba at the very least, can attempt a consorted effort in beginning reparations. It would be a start, if nothing else.
I agree with you on everything else. I could go on writing about Cuba. It’s a beautiful country and modern day tragedy.”
President Obama's Answers to My Questions
Commented Nov 20, 2009 at 13:19:58 in World
“I think you're right. The refugees from Castro and the later Marielitas had no reason to seek a rapprochment with Cuba, but their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids don't carry the same baggage.
It will take a grand gesture or two on Havana's part, but I think the embargo will end before President Obama leaves office.”
It will take a grand gesture or two on Havana's part, but I think the embargo will end before President Obama leaves office.”
President Obama's Answers to My Questions
Commented Nov 20, 2009 at 12:05:50 in World
“It's been said that the purest form of democracy is the lynch mob.
Thank God we're not a pure democracy, and that we have elected representatives and a Bill of Rights.”
Thank God we're not a pure democracy, and that we have elected representatives and a Bill of Rights.”
President Obama's Answers to My Questions
Commented Nov 20, 2009 at 11:56:23 in World
“I don't think the USA ever compensated the Confederacy for the loss of their slaves, either. What's your point?”
bigpipa replied on Nov 20, 2009 at 14:00:21
“You're comparing the American civil war with the illegal seizures of American companies, property and assets by the castro regime in Cuba, mainly during the early 60's?
I don't understand your comparison between the two.
My points are self evident.”
I don't understand your comparison between the two.
My points are self evident.”
President Obama's Answers to My Questions
Commented Nov 20, 2009 at 11:51:50 in World
“I haven't seen the exact numbers for Cuban-Americans, but I did hear a discussion on the fact that in the 2008 Presidential election, they were no longer the monolithic GOP supporters they once were.
Despite that, I find it unlikely a group that actively lobbies against normalization of relations with Cuba and demands the return of their old estates and billions in reparations from Havana, would suddenly swing their support to a candidate who favors normalized relations.”
Despite that, I find it unlikely a group that actively lobbies against normalization of relations with Cuba and demands the return of their old estates and billions in reparations from Havana, would suddenly swing their support to a candidate who favors normalized relations.”
jackbutler5555 replied on Nov 20, 2009 at 13:04:56
“My theory is Cuban Americans have become diverse. You got the old wealthy that came over at the end of the Cuban revolution. You got more recent arrivals with no wealth. And you got the sons and daughters and grand children of the formerly elite in Cuba without the inherited grudges.”
The Ersatz Public Option
Commented Nov 20, 2009 at 08:14:44 in Politics
“I beg to differ with one point --- President Obama's first target after the financial "meltdown" wasn't to "re-balance" the economy, it was to prevent the collapse of the entire economy.
His second order of business was the re-balancing you speak of --- and since healthcare insurance costs are increasing at better than 11% a year, and healthcare already consumes between one-fifth and one-sixth of our GDP, I would argue that was *exactly* the next target for the President to address.
Our out-of-control healthcare costs are now a national security issue, and deserve as much attention as an actual attack on our shores would.”
His second order of business was the re-balancing you speak of --- and since healthcare insurance costs are increasing at better than 11% a year, and healthcare already consumes between one-fifth and one-sixth of our GDP, I would argue that was *exactly* the next target for the President to address.
Our out-of-control healthcare costs are now a national security issue, and deserve as much attention as an actual attack on our shores would.”
ResoluteBob replied on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:30:36
“ You may question the way I've chosen to parse my words here ("prevent the collapse" is essentially a subset of "re-balance" in context), but the central idea remains valid. Moreover, I would argue that the the Healthcare Insurance Industry is PART OF the Financial Services Industry, since they are only the (very costly) intermediary between the Patient and the Healthcare Provider.
I stand by my contention that the Financial Services Industry holds sway over all other elements of the Economy. No other meaningful reform can happen while the F.S.I. can siphon off of all other sectors, and put the Economy as a whole in jeopardy through excessive risk taking.”
I stand by my contention that the Financial Services Industry holds sway over all other elements of the Economy. No other meaningful reform can happen while the F.S.I. can siphon off of all other sectors, and put the Economy as a whole in jeopardy through excessive risk taking.”
The Ersatz Public Option
Commented Nov 20, 2009 at 08:05:45 in Politics
“I agree. It should all be paid for out of our taxes, and it should cover everybody who wants it. That is what Americans wanted when they clamored for a public option, and any elected official who believes less does so at his own peril.
Republicans are already going apoplectic over the bill; they will do so in any case, no matter what the bill says. Fiscal conservatives are going to feel sticker shock, no matter what happens. That leaves Democrats, progressives and the center/left --- precisely the people who fought for a strong public option in the first place.
The center/left in this country will not be fooled by a fake public option, and the political backlash could threaten Democrats in Congress *and* in the White House. Progressives call themselves progressives because they are tied to progressive ideas, *not* a specific political party; Democrats in Congress should bear that in mind, as they finalize the provisions of their healthcare bill.”
Republicans are already going apoplectic over the bill; they will do so in any case, no matter what the bill says. Fiscal conservatives are going to feel sticker shock, no matter what happens. That leaves Democrats, progressives and the center/left --- precisely the people who fought for a strong public option in the first place.
The center/left in this country will not be fooled by a fake public option, and the political backlash could threaten Democrats in Congress *and* in the White House. Progressives call themselves progressives because they are tied to progressive ideas, *not* a specific political party; Democrats in Congress should bear that in mind, as they finalize the provisions of their healthcare bill.”
President Obama's Answers to My Questions
Commented Nov 20, 2009 at 06:31:23 in World
“Congress enacted a law to enforce the embargo. The President cannot unilaterally cancel the embargo --- Congress must repeal the law.
Secondly, although the politics are beginning to change, historically most Cuban-Americans have voted Republican (opposed to most other Hispanic American groups, who tend to vote Democratic). So it's safe to say the President likely had few of their votes anyway.”
Secondly, although the politics are beginning to change, historically most Cuban-Americans have voted Republican (opposed to most other Hispanic American groups, who tend to vote Democratic). So it's safe to say the President likely had few of their votes anyway.”
khanti replied on Nov 20, 2009 at 18:24:05
“Yes but if Obama bring this overture to the Congress he risk losing whatever remaining support his party have from the exiles. So status quo? China was even worst during Mao's time and there was an embargo against their goods. Leaders die good or bad, any ideology change in the way a country government itself must be up to its own people without outside interferrence. When a country decide to overthrow its system as in the former USSR and East German it do so because the mental strenght of its citizens have reached maturity and the change is lasting without endless coups and civil wars.”
Ira7 replied on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:58:51
“Did Cuban-Americans overhwhelmingly vote for McCain in this past election? I don't think they did.”
leejunfan replied on Nov 20, 2009 at 10:06:52
“Well said, DonRoberto.”
Famous for Being Famous: The Sarah Palin Show Is On the Air
Commented Nov 19, 2009 at 12:35:15 in Politics
“I think hardcore GOP operatives are still salivating over a Palin-Cheney "dream team" ticket (with Cheney once more having his hand up a President's backside).
With that much evil and vacuity in one place, they'd be hard to beat for the narcissistic sociopath demographic they are apparently aiming for.”
With that much evil and vacuity in one place, they'd be hard to beat for the narcissistic sociopath demographic they are apparently aiming for.”
The Inevitable Fluke That Is Sarah Palin
Commented Nov 17, 2009 at 21:44:16 in Media
“If you believe "extremists" at the left have become a problem in this country at any time since 1980, then I wish you luck, but will have to refuse your invitation.
I prefer my centrists be *centered* in reality.”
I prefer my centrists be *centered* in reality.”
Vaccination: A Conversation Worth Having
Commented Nov 16, 2009 at 00:31:54 in Living
“Good points!
I would just add that viruses tend to evolve toward coexistence with the host, as fatal strains tend to kill the host before the virus can spread very far. Hence the viruses our species has dealt with the longest are the least harmful, while newer viruses are potentially more dangerous.
The fact that newer viruses are the most dangerous also means that vaccinations against those newer, more dangerous strains are unlikely to be as well-tested as those vaccinations whose effects have been traced in the general population over the last fifty years.”
I would just add that viruses tend to evolve toward coexistence with the host, as fatal strains tend to kill the host before the virus can spread very far. Hence the viruses our species has dealt with the longest are the least harmful, while newer viruses are potentially more dangerous.
The fact that newer viruses are the most dangerous also means that vaccinations against those newer, more dangerous strains are unlikely to be as well-tested as those vaccinations whose effects have been traced in the general population over the last fifty years.”
Vaccination: A Conversation Worth Having
Commented Nov 16, 2009 at 00:19:57 in Living
“I understand your concern, Mr. Maher, and agree with you on many subjects, but I cannot on this one. I think you might agree that an individual who has the ear of a large segment of the public just *might* have a special responsibility to make sure their own voiced doubts of the science are as well-founded as their equally vocal political views, especially if much of the public is likely to make their healthcare choices the same way they make their political decisions.
A seriously dedicated optimist might observe that the vaccination brouhaha is an example of "natural selection in action" --- i.e., those who die because they made the wrong decision won't have as many chances to spread their genes to the next generation --- and thus, the fitness of the species as a whole will be enhanced, whichever way the debate goes. I'm just not that optimistic.”
A seriously dedicated optimist might observe that the vaccination brouhaha is an example of "natural selection in action" --- i.e., those who die because they made the wrong decision won't have as many chances to spread their genes to the next generation --- and thus, the fitness of the species as a whole will be enhanced, whichever way the debate goes. I'm just not that optimistic.”
Most Valuable Real Estate in the Solar System
Commented Nov 14, 2009 at 19:45:02 in Technology
“Uhh, actually, I believe it's Gerard K. O'Neill, not Gerald O'Neal. But I would agree with the rest of your comment.”
Most Valuable Real Estate in the Solar System
Commented Nov 14, 2009 at 19:41:24 in Technology
“If it was all about science, I would agree with you, but it's not.
The biggest cost of spaceflight, whether for exploration or any other purpose, is in lifting the spacecraft off the Earth. Since Earth is currently the only fuel depot, *all* space travel is expensive.
However, having a second fuel depot outside the Earth's gravity well would enable reusable spacecraft to travel throughout the solar system. If harvesting lunar ice is workable, it would provide the economic conditions to allow mining of the asteroids and exploration of the entire solar system.
Launch from Earth would become less expensive, too, as vehicles would no longer be required to carry tons of fuel into space with them; they could launch "empty", and refuel in orbit (or in lunar orbit).
Reactivating the Bush back-to-the-Moon plans would be wrongheaded, as you state, but establishing the infrastructure to free our societies and economies from their current limits might be worth quite a lot. This capability would be much more important than the economics alone.”
The biggest cost of spaceflight, whether for exploration or any other purpose, is in lifting the spacecraft off the Earth. Since Earth is currently the only fuel depot, *all* space travel is expensive.
However, having a second fuel depot outside the Earth's gravity well would enable reusable spacecraft to travel throughout the solar system. If harvesting lunar ice is workable, it would provide the economic conditions to allow mining of the asteroids and exploration of the entire solar system.
Launch from Earth would become less expensive, too, as vehicles would no longer be required to carry tons of fuel into space with them; they could launch "empty", and refuel in orbit (or in lunar orbit).
Reactivating the Bush back-to-the-Moon plans would be wrongheaded, as you state, but establishing the infrastructure to free our societies and economies from their current limits might be worth quite a lot. This capability would be much more important than the economics alone.”
Most Valuable Real Estate in the Solar System
Commented Nov 14, 2009 at 19:26:10 in Technology
“In answer to your points:
1) The financial gain would come from being the fuel depot for ALL spaceflight around the solar system. If there is enough lunar ice that can be easily harvested, the price of moving things around the solar system could get very, very cheap. Launching from Earth would also become much cheaper, as we would no longer have to haul hundreds of tons of fuel into space with our hardware.
2) Creating hydrogen and oxygen from water is *not* a long, slow process as you state; kids do it in science class all the time. As stated in the article, peaks at the poles remain in sunlight throughout the day/night cycle, meaning that power generation would be 24/7 and located very near the ice. Energy could be beamed via microwaves the short distance from the solar cell farm to the ice harvesting operation, eliminating the need for transmission towers and other expensive infrastructure.
I agree with your assessment that manned missions take much more money than unmanned, pure science missions. But manned fueling operations on the moon and in lunar orbit, exploiting existing lunar resources, would only extend our capabilities, thus furthering our exploration mission.”
1) The financial gain would come from being the fuel depot for ALL spaceflight around the solar system. If there is enough lunar ice that can be easily harvested, the price of moving things around the solar system could get very, very cheap. Launching from Earth would also become much cheaper, as we would no longer have to haul hundreds of tons of fuel into space with our hardware.
2) Creating hydrogen and oxygen from water is *not* a long, slow process as you state; kids do it in science class all the time. As stated in the article, peaks at the poles remain in sunlight throughout the day/night cycle, meaning that power generation would be 24/7 and located very near the ice. Energy could be beamed via microwaves the short distance from the solar cell farm to the ice harvesting operation, eliminating the need for transmission towers and other expensive infrastructure.
I agree with your assessment that manned missions take much more money than unmanned, pure science missions. But manned fueling operations on the moon and in lunar orbit, exploiting existing lunar resources, would only extend our capabilities, thus furthering our exploration mission.”
Ken Nemeth replied on Nov 14, 2009 at 21:43:20
“DonRoberto's right on the money - the discovery of water on the moon, coupled with location being near the "peaks of eternal light", makes it ideal as a staging point for any number of expeditions throughout the solar system. The most energy intensive leg of any journey out into space is the one from the surface of the Earth to zero gravity. Eliminate the need to lug tremendous amounts of fuel and you have fundamentally altered the spaceflight cost equation.”
The First Ten Lies from Going Rogue
Commented Nov 13, 2009 at 12:38:05 in Books
“I think our comparitively recent anti-intellectualism can be traced to two things: first, the disconnect between the Christian right and science (as evidenced by the "Intelligent Design" argument) and second, the redefinition of our postsecondary institutions as vocational schools instead of actual universities.
The sad part is that we are now facing multiple generations of anti-intellectuals, and private schools that aren't held to any standards of factuality. This growing lack of correspondence between our schooling and the real world that surrounds us is, at least in part, responsible for most of the problems we face today.”
The sad part is that we are now facing multiple generations of anti-intellectuals, and private schools that aren't held to any standards of factuality. This growing lack of correspondence between our schooling and the real world that surrounds us is, at least in part, responsible for most of the problems we face today.”
Planes, Vaccines, and No EQ
Commented Nov 11, 2009 at 12:11:54 in Living
“Unfortunately, that isn't true. The federal government has negotiated purchase of a certain number of doses of the vaccine from a Swiss multinational called Novartis; they have been slow in delivering the vaccine, and now we see one of the reasons why.
Just one more reason the federal government should have its own capability to manufacture vaccines and other drugs, instead of depending on a for-profit system that, surprise, puts profit ahead of the public good.”
Just one more reason the federal government should have its own capability to manufacture vaccines and other drugs, instead of depending on a for-profit system that, surprise, puts profit ahead of the public good.”
The Swine Flu Vaccine Screw-Up: Optimism as a Public Health Problem
Commented Nov 08, 2009 at 19:59:09 in Politics
“I understand your motivation to understand and find the real causes of your children's problems, and you are welcome to keep the H1N1 vaccine from your kids; the chances are they won't get H1N1, and if they do get it, the chances are it won't kill them. Of course, these facts were also true of the Spanish flu of 1917-1918.
The best analogy I have heard for why you should be vaccinated against H1N1 is that it affords the same protection that seat belts do. When you get in the car, the chances are very, very low that you will be involved in a car accident, and even if you are, the chances are very low that you will be killed or maimed. But we still require people to wear seatbelts, not because of a massive conspiracy between government and a powerful seatbelt industry lobby. but because it is a simple issue of public health.”
The best analogy I have heard for why you should be vaccinated against H1N1 is that it affords the same protection that seat belts do. When you get in the car, the chances are very, very low that you will be involved in a car accident, and even if you are, the chances are very low that you will be killed or maimed. But we still require people to wear seatbelts, not because of a massive conspiracy between government and a powerful seatbelt industry lobby. but because it is a simple issue of public health.”
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