geckzilla wrote:
I think what I dislike most about the idea that is it gives a lot of people an excuse to not hold anything back here on Earth. They figure we can simply trash the place and move on to a new one. That might happen but as I see it now it's far from certain. We can't assume it will eventually happen because it's quite possible that it's impossible. Much as I'd love for it to happen and for me to not be so negative about it, given the choice I'd choose not to make the journey. It's surely not going to be Star Trek.
I share many of geckzilla's fears. Perhaps it has something to do with my religious background.
I can see a similar "lack of respect" for the Earth among some people who dream of space. Please understand, Jim, that I'm absolutely not referring to you. Another person who is often seen here at Starship Asterisk*, and whose posts I always enjoy, is Rob Stevenson. He, too, dreams of humanity going to space. I most certainly understand that just because people want humanity to venture out into space doesn't mean they don't love our unique planet, the Earth. And a part of me can even share their dreams. I, too, have watched Star Trek. However, I feel convinced that the real universe is nothing like the Star Trek version of it.
For all of that... I'm all for the robotic exploration of our solar system and beyond, if that is possible. I'm less certain of the cost-benefit question of sending people to space, let alone to another solar system.
Bottom line, for me, is that I love to know more about space but I love to live on this fantastic planet, the Earth. And I think that taking care of our own planet should be our first priority.
Ann