[net.columbia] Modest Proposal - warning ;-)

jeb@mtx5c.UUCP (Jim Beckman) (03/13/86)

<>

My car-pool current-events discussion group has formulated the
following plan which addresses several vexing problems:

Lots of people would like to see the lost Challenger replaced
with a new shuttle for the fleet, but the cost is in the 
$4,000,000,000 (yes, that's Billlllllyunnnn, Mr. Sagan) range.
Ferdinand Marcos wants a refuge in the U.S., but people are
currently a little peeved with his behavior.  However, Mr.
Marcos seems to have a great deal of excess cash on hand.

Our plan:  the U.S. agrees to let Marcos live in our country,
and he buys us a new space shuttle.  When the shuttle is
completed in 3-4 years, we will then let Marcos go along
on the first launch.  The stress of acceleration will
undoubtedly kill him, which will be a relief for everyone.
Additionally, his body could then be dropped overboard at
the appropriate time, with a little retrograde push, and he
would reenter the atmosphere over the Philippines, once more
lighting up the political scene, going out in a blaze of glory, 
and providing a small show for the people he has abused.

Jim Beckman   AT&T-ISL, Middletown, NJ    mtx5w!jeb

Remember, poor taste is better than no taste at all.  Or is it?