Current Event Post #1
Topic: Science
Title of Article: Newt's moon colony: What would it cost?
Author: Blake Ellis
Publication: CNN Money
Date: 1/30/12
Words: 823
GOP candidate Newt Gingrich hopes to establish a base on the moon, though the cost could be staggering. Despite public criticism, especially from fellow Republicans, such as Mitt Romney, Gingrich has persisted in his call for setting up a colony on the moon. He has even gone as far as to suggest eventually turning the moon into a tourist destination, as well as utilizing it for commercial purposes. In defense of this proposal, Gingrich emphasizes the importance of showing the world that America has not given up on the space race.
Former President Bush was of like mind; he began a space initiative in 2004, one of the goals of which was to put a base on the moon. The cost was projected to be 100 billion through 2020. It was canceled by Barack Obama because it was dragging and racking up expenditures. In consideration of the significant scientific challenges that the current project would entail, it could be many years and trillions of dollars before Gingrich's fantasy could become a reality.
Private business seems to be warming to the concept. But Gingrich will not stop with a mere research base; after the population of the moon is 13,000, it "can petition to become a state."
Conclusion
Though Gingrich's plan for a base on the moon has generated a generous measure of controversy in the public sector, he is sticking to his story, claiming it will spur innovation and demonstrate the power the United States. One of the main concerns is the financial question; is it a feasible investment? Many other technological obstacles are also yet to be confronted. All in all, it is a safe bet that the project is far from its realization.
Opinion
I consider this proposal is as ridiculous as it appears on first sight. My general philosophy regarding human space exploration is simple: we shouldn't go shooting around in space until we have solved the problems we have down here on Planet Earth. Even setting aside personal opinions, I think it can still be widely agreed that the project is a colossal waste of money and effort.
I agree with Thomas's opinion that this project is a huge waste of money, there are a lot of other issues to be taken care of on earth and this project doesn't sound realistic. It cost a lot of money to go to space, and it will cost a lot more to build and sustain a moon colony. Maybe this project will be realistic in the future, maybe in 50 years but right now it's not.
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