It's About Time
December 14, 2005 @ 8:31 pm
So according to the New York Times, Richard Branson saw the flight of Space Ship One and promptly formed his own space program, "Virgin Galactic." He just entered a deal with New Mexico to build a space port there, which should be operational by 2010. All I can say is, it's about time! 2005 and we've got no flying cars, no robot maids, nothing. I want a space port! And mad props to Branson. Branson is the Howard Hughes of our day, with the charisma, drive, and money to do some awesome things. This is the kind of crazy billionaire we need more of. (Just look at the way Bill Gates has wasted his money. It would be so much more amusing if he used his wealth to start a colony on the moon, or at least tried to take over the world.)
It's also about time that space exploration entered the private sphere. NASA wants $100 billion just to get back to the moon? Stupid! As John Tierny so cogently argued in a recent Op-Ed, why not just offer a multi-billion dollar prize to whoever does the thing? Contestants assume the risk, and today's lawmakers can make a bold move without having to write the big check until it's done. Or we could follow the Dave Barry model, and somehow convice raccoons that there is delicious garbage on Mars. They'd find a way to get there in a heartbeat.
Replies: 3 Comments
And it doesn't hurt that Richard Branson is wildly good-looking. (OMG did I say that outloud?! I mean, he's alright.)
Allison said on December 15, 2005 @ 12:43 pm
Do you talk out loud while you type too? I. Have. To. Say. Every. Word.
Nick Baker said on December 15, 2005 @ 6:12 pm
Well, I was using my outside typing "voice". I always get my written voice and my spoken voice confused; because I see words when I speak. (I should get medication for that. I spoke out loud again! )
Allison said on December 16, 2005 @ 2:09 am
