General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI was on an elementary school playground at recess when the news spread that
Marine Alan Shepherd had actually flown out into "space" and returned alive. We did not yet really understand what that meant, but we were thrilled to hear that our country had visited a new frontier.
Today's Virgin Galactic flight was even more breathtaking.
Now if we can just save this planet before we have to flee it or perish.
Blue Dawn
(892 posts)I watched every bit of the flight today and found it thrilling!
I was mesmerized. What Branson has accomplished is impressive. It was a joy to watch today.
EYESORE 9001
(25,938 posts)Were not invited.
asiliveandbreathe
(8,203 posts)Towlie
(5,324 posts)
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That way, it could be argued that there was no real need to worry about climate change or preserving natural resources.
No, if the world is going to end one way or another, it would be more satisfying to see us get what T. S. Eliot predicted:
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper.
FoxNewsSucks
(10,431 posts)I think more about this movie
A nice pristine environment for them, a polluted world for the rest of us.
sir pball
(4,742 posts)Exploring the New World. In 1700, it was billionaires opening the Americas - Pennsylvania was a proprietary colony!
Is it optimal, no, but the ultrawealthy have always been at the front of new frontiers.
thucythucy
(8,052 posts)and poorer people, indentured servants, and religious refugees who "opened" the Americas. The conquistadors were soldiers of fortune. The Pilgrims sold their homes and belongings to finance the trip, and when that didn't provide enough funding they went into debt.
The billionaires of the time--royalty such as Ferdinand and Isabella, King James, the various French Louis, didn't lift a finger except to sign various documents allowing for land they didn't own to be claimed in their name.
So I take issue with the notion that the "ultra wealthy have always been at the front of new frontiers."
Generally, they've been last in line in taking risks (other than financial) and creating genuine innovations, but first in line when it comes to exploiting the poor schmucks who do.
Srkdqltr
(6,286 posts)There is no place like home.
Zorro
(15,740 posts)and watched the launch on a black and white tv.
We've come a long way in the past 60 years.
Jack from Charlotte
(2,367 posts)Naval Academy grad and US Navy. John Glenn was a Marine.
Atticus
(15,124 posts)flight. He revered the Corps even in grade school and went on to win a Silver Star as a jarhead in Viet Nam.
But, you are correct. Shephard was Navy.
obamanut2012
(26,076 posts)It's all very exciting. I'm able to sometimes just see the Florida launches, so as much as I dislike Musk, it's cool. The Virgin ship is also really cool.
hauckeye
(635 posts)I thought the rockets were making holes in the sky. I wondered if the next rocket would go through the same hole or make a new one 😂😂. I did smarten up later though 🤪
Towlie
(5,324 posts)
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Laffy Kat
(16,379 posts)Humans are capable of amazing feats. We are also even more capable of really f*cking things up.
FoxNewsSucks
(10,431 posts)what we've done in the 52 years since.
Not nearly the level of advancement as that 66 years, and not just in the field of flight.
Justice matters.
(6,929 posts)Crypto currencies are adding to the Climate Change problems...
rickyhall
(4,889 posts)Then after 1969 the press was no longer interested, it seemed.
Dan
(3,562 posts)The little people need not apply.
jaxexpat
(6,828 posts)It's a habit people have gotten accustomed to.
Warpy
(111,261 posts)so likely a lot of fat cats will be taking the carnival ride of a lifetime. It's lowe enough that people with incurable cancer and a bucket list can sell that paid for house and afford a trip.
The one I always wanted to try was the U-2 plane. Those flights were long, high, and spectacular.
There is no planet B
WarGamer
(12,444 posts)And I'm thrilled.
But btw... the planet is already fucked. It's too late. The best we can do is prepare for and mitigate what's to come.
kentuck
(111,095 posts)Very futuristic.