Mars

Ed,

No matter what course of action is proposed regarding the
use/colonization of space, asteroids, moons or planets, there will
always be intelligent, educated and thoughtful people who will point
out that there is no good reason to do this thing or that thing.
While we talk about using our technology and resources to go to
space, there are those who argue quite sincerely that we should reject
much of our technologically advanced but resource intensive way of
life and return to a more rustic, regionally sustainable lifestyle.
I personally don't favor abandoning our expansion into space and
returning to an agrarian society. There are, however, very intelligent
and well-educated people who see this as our only hope.
When we do get permanently into space there will be disparate groups
intent on building orbiting space colonies, lunar outposts and
planetary settlements. I suspect that what actually gets done will be
the result of a rather familiar mixture of politics, profits and
popular predjudices - much like our present space program. The serious
objections (logical arguments to you or, perhaps, to me) will not
necessarily prevail in the future any more than they do today.

Chris

--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, Ed Minchau wrote: