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Look up, Earthlings: Why criticism of Jeff Bezos' space flight is nonsense

Paste BN

Did you know that Jeff Bezos was the latest rich guy to fly into space? Lucky for you if you missed it. But today one of our columns asks a pretty simple but possibly profound question. 

Welcome to the Paste BN Opinion newsletter. Thanks for stopping by. Here we go. 

Why Bezos' space flight helps save Earth

My childhood fascination with space became a reality when I was privileged to serve as a NASA consultant for more than 20 years. One of my areas of research focused on the use of space resources to reduce the stress on our planet.

On Earth, we have mined and found uses for just about every available mineral and fossil fuel. It has allowed innovation and industry to flourish. But it’s cost us both in terms of depleted resources and horrific air pollution.

While most minerals are far from exhausted, many of us desire far less pollution from these resources, which are becoming increasingly difficult to economically extract. 

That’s why I shake my head when I hear those who say Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk (Richard Branson’s attempt is more spectacle, in my opinion) would be better off spending their money saving this planet rather than gazing at it from afar.

That’s nonsense.

Today's editorial cartoon 

Why I don’t mind paying for college

Don’t get me wrong, the American system of higher education remains far too costly for the majority of Americans. I strongly support efforts to make college more affordable. Also, like most people, I would rather pay less than more for any product, including college education.

However, given the choice, I pick the American system of higher education over the Finnish one every time. The Finnish system is way too cut-throat and unforgiving, dare I say, Darwinistic.    

What else should you read? 

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