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“To stay within a tight $250 million budget cap — including the rocket ride to the moon — project managers are planning to use solar energy to power the rover’s systems and science instruments. However, sunlight on the places where water and other volatiles may be trapped only occurs for a few days at a time.” — NASA plans to make water on the moon.

“Now, I understand that some believe that we should attempt a return to the surface of the Moon first, as previously planned. But I just have to say pretty bluntly here: We’ve been there before. Buzz has been there. There’s a lot more of space to explore, and a lot more to learn when we do.” – President Barack Obama

Plan for unmanned Mars and deep space exploration instead of developing a lunar base?   Even by “artist standards,” that’s not a logical step.  Now that the space shuttles have all been retired from service, the United States can no longer access the space station which it built (with other countries) on its own.  Does Mr. Obama’s have a hidden agenda for NASA; to have its budget pumped up to 19 billion during this time of an economic depression in order that it may be cut to nearly nothing at all in the senate as a reaction?  That would certainly serve the best interests of big oil and those who oppose the dissemination of scientific evidence backing global climate change and other environmental research.

If Space X and other commercial developers are unable to successfully put freight (and human lives) in and out of orbit, the billions of dollars invested in our space program will become part of our American heritage, an action which would not be without precedent.  In 1973 the United States launched Skylab, the first space station – which was allowed to burn up in 1979 (2.6 billion 1970’s dollars).

It is unfortunate that some of the enthusiasm which the Bush and Obama presidencies showered on multinational oil corporations, has not been invested in the future of space exploration and development.  Stewardship for our natural resources has not been a hallmark for many presidencies.  The relationship between caring for the quality and safety of the water we drink, the air which we breathe, and the land upon which we live our lives, and the well-being of a nation is axiomatic.  Which brings me to President Barack Obama’s endorsement of genetically modified foods.

The title of this post is deliberate. By definition, all solar energy is non-terrestrial in origin.  Heck, all wood, oil, coal, wind energy, is derived from the sun. Marketing is all about image creation and changing perceptions.  McLuhan poeticized the essence of Mein Kampf and 1984.  The advertising machine became the power to change minds during the 80s and is the major player in most individual’s decision-making lives.

The dictionary definition of “weapon” is “something used to defeat, injure, or destroy.”

Should it come to pass that burgeoning concerns regarding genetically modified food products entering our bodies (and the food chain) possess merit, then it will be true that advertising has become weaponized in the twenty-first century.

It takes hard science and engineering to create solar-powered technology which can explore the resources of Earth’s moon for water and establish a foothold for the next logical step in the exploration of space.

Until an educated populace demands better from their politicians – and industry – we will be saddled with corrupt, self-serving politicians who would rather serve their multi-national corporate masters than to serve the long-term best interests of their constituency.