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The new ‘Space Wars’ are upon us on Earth
Patty Leon new

A little background on the “Space Wars.” America was not only embarrassed that Russia had successfully launched the world’s first artificial satellite, Spudnik 1, in October 1957. America also felt a perceived threat to national security and technological leadership and Congress urged immediate and swift action. We eventually won that space war and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an independent agency of the U.S. Federal government, has successfully studied the Earth, including its climate, our Sun, Moon, Mars, our solar system and beyond. 

We’ve launched satellites which have enhanced our technologies paving the way for the internet, world-wide web and cell phone usage. 

But NASA also researches and publishes reports on climate change. Its statements concur with the global scientific consensus that the global climate is warming. Also, NASA knows that the exhaust gases produced by rocket propulsion systems, both in Earth’s atmosphere and in space, can adversely affect the Earth’s environment. 

But now we have a new type of Space Wars and it has nothing to do with studying space, science, the universe or how to better our planet.

I watched as Sir Richard Branson and then Amazon’s Jeff Bezos blasted off into space. I watched as they achieved zero gravity and joyfully floated about the interior of their respective ships. You could sense the excitement and joy they were experiencing. 

They became the first billionaires to reach space. Tesla’s Elon Musk is set to follow suit in promoting - space tourism. 

SPACE TOURISM!

That is great and all but I would be more thrilled if these billionaires would do something that would be more beneficial to mankind right here on Earth.

Why not promote Earth Eco-friendly tourism by using funds to fight climate change and the other things we humans are doing that are slowly killing the Earth.

For example, why not fund programs that would reduce the use of fossil fuels and encourage the use of renewable energy such as solar and wind power?

Instead of spending billions and adding to space waste, why not use those funds to plant more trees which helps to clean the air and provides shelter for wildlife?

Why not use those funds to promote better agricultural practices and eliminate intensive factory farming of cattle, chicken, pigs and other livestock? These animals should be farmed on vast open fields, raised on natural feed and grass as they were hundreds of years ago.

Bezos, Musk and Sir Branson should fund programs to help reduce homelessness, treat Veterans, and feed the hungry here on Earth first and foremost.

They say we need to explore space and the possibility of living in space at some point in the future because of the deterioration of Earth. They are basically admitting that we are destroying our own world and, in their view, it will be best to have a place to relocate.

Instead of trying to do what they could to help fund programs to save the planet, they plan to be ready to leave it. And just who do you think will be left behind?

Those who live in poverty, those living paycheck to paycheck, what is left of the middle class and hard-working America. That’s who!

The wealthy and the powerful will lift-off and live us behind.

These billionaires, who have paid ZERO in corporate taxes, will be on their merry way with their billionaire friends and their wealthy minions and government officials - to command our daily lives from space while we perish in a mess they could have financially helped to resolve.

Germany is reeling from a massive flooding that killed hundreds of people. Each year the West Coast fires get worse and worse. Half the nation is in the grips of a heat wave. Each year the hurricane season intensifies. We are losing our glaciers at a rapid rate – yet the Big Boys are playing with their toy rockets and making money by selling tickets to their next wild ride.

One ticket sold was for $28 million. Branson said his tickets will cost $250,000.

If they are allowed to continue to invest in space exploration, they should be taxed. And those tax dollars should be placed into an account that is only used for programs to help us clean and save the Earth from further decay, pollution, climate change, deforestation, and reduce the Green-House effect.

These billionaires should put their money where their feet and families are currently planted – Mother Earth!

-Patty Leon

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