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IEET > Security > SpaceThreats > Rights > Economic > Contributors > Lawrence Krauss

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To the Moon, Newt!

Lawrence Krauss

Lawrence Krauss
Slate.com

Posted: Feb 1, 2012

Gingrich’s wasteful, scientifically unsound plan to put colonists on lunar soil.

Newt Gingrich described himself as a visionary when he unveiled plans Wednesday to create a mammoth new space program, including a permanent colony on the moon within the next nine years. Within eight years, he pledges a new Mars rocket program—specifically, a “continually operating propulsion system) capable of getting to Mars within a remarkably short time.” He also reiterated his plan to declare at least part of the moon as U.S. territory, with colonists capable of petitioning for statehood status.

There is little doubt that Mr. Gingrich believes in big ideas. Unfortunately, however, there is a difference between big ideas and good ideas. After all, being a visionary doesn’t mean abandoning practicality altogether but rather harnessing it creatively to make new things happen.

(to read the rest of the article, CLICK HERE)

Lawrence Maxwell Krauss is an American theoretical physicist who is Foundation Professor of the School of Earth and Space Exploration, and director of the Origins Project at Arizona State University. He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Physics of Star Trek and A Universe from Nothing.

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Intomorrow • • Feb 1, 2012

The four people to send to Gingrich’s projected Moon colony:
a) Gingrich
b) his wife
c) his campaign manager
d) his media rep.

Why should we care what this political psychopath and serial liar thinks?:
celebrity culture, which includes a vicarious interest in an admittedly v. smart and photogenic (Gingrich looks IMO like a leprechaun) person who played a dynamic (to use a platitude) role long ago.
But no more.

Intomorrow • • Feb 2, 2012

We shouldn’t feel pity for Gingrich, it’s a win-win situation for him:
in the extremely unlikely (his chances dimmer every day) event he were to be elected POTUS, he of course wins;
by losing as a candidate, he has nonetheless spent campaign contributions traveling around, meeting new contacts (potential marks), he is more well known, he can negotiate better book deals, command higher honorariums.
Plus, Gingrich will obtain more donations for his think tank, to study how he could have colonized the Moon if only he had been elected president.
Life is good.

IgorGabrielan • • Feb 3, 2012

Gingrich - President of the Moon!

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