Mars and Beyond

Okay so the face on Mars isn't really a face. It is still fascinating however. I wish that we had continued with our space exploration to the point where humans could walk on Mars. I would have volunteered to go as I have always been fascinated by that planet. I have an autographed copy of Ray Bradbury's "Martian Chronicles" after all.

It would be nice if governments would spend as much money on scientific research as they do on conflicts. I believe if governments would focus more on helping this planet through science then many of the conflicts we see in the world now would disappear. The latest reports that show we are more vulnerable to terrorist attacks now then we were before 9/11 should show politicians that we need to rethink our strategy. War isn't making us safe. What do we need to do?

I think the latest anger shown by Muslims over the Pope's remarks are a sign that we need to stop and take a good look at how we perceive people. I think the fact that the media and entertainment industry are using Middle Eastern villains the way that in earlier times we used all Germans as Nazis or all Japanese as kamikaze warriors is a contributing factor in Muslim anger. We are stereotyping a whole group of people and making no attempt to find out what the majority of people really believe. Yes there are Muslim extremists however we have our extremists too. Does anyone think those blonde twin singers going around with a caricature of Hitler as a good guy are not extremists?

The way to peace is through dialogue with those who are opposed to each other. Neither side can win militarily any more. War is not played by Robert's Rule of Order and hasn't been played by rules since the American Revolution showed the then world power that small guerilla attacks can win a war.

Where I live we are starting to see the turn of the color of the leaves. Summer is ending and we are heading into winter. While it is a beautiful sight to see those fall colors it is also a harbinger of the winter to come. It is to be devoutly wished that the governments of the world can get together and find a true solution to the world's conflicts that would allow all men to live in dignity. War isn't working how about giving the concept of peace a chance.

The picture is called "Mars Colony."