University of Virginia Library

Letters To The Editor

Taking One Giant Step Backwards For Mankind?

This nation's space program has
been severely cut in recent years.
This action is a definite step
backwards.

Communication satellites have
relayed millions of messages
world-wide. Weather satellites have
saved billions of dollars and
thousands of lives due to their
advanced storm warnings along
with countless forecasts. Satellites
have found new natural resources
while exposing contamination of
others.

Space exploration discovered
new facts about our universe while
developing technology, especially
electronics.

At Project Apollo's peak,
280,000 people were employed
while the aerospace industry was
this nation's chief wealth
contributor for the past three years.

Because of gravitational absence,
cancer and heart ailment cures may
be obtained when Skylab is orbited
in 1973.

Improved medical methods and
2500 current market products are
direct space program descendants.

Materials developed for space
have made significant impacts on
our economy. Rocket case
production brought a lightweight,
thin walled, noncorrosive and
practically unbreakable pipe;
perfect for water, sewage, and
irrigation systems.

An aluminum and plastic foam
is now used for prefab house walls.

International teamwork and
prestige are space program
outgrowths.

With the population explosion
growing, space stations and
planetary colonies (esp, the moon)
can help solve it.

Finally, new and/or more
abundant minerals may be found
on the planets from which stronger
materials can be used to solve
housing and welfare problems.

Therefore, we need a continued,
escalated space program for its
potentials.

Rough Riders

At present, there are three basic
methods of mobilization on the
grounds-walking, riding in a motor
vehicle, or riding a bicycle. In
previous years, for convenience and
safety, those persons falling into
the first two groups have been able
to employ a reasonable system of
transporting themselves about the
grounds. Therefore, we are most
likely to find automobiles on the
road, not on the sidewalk, and in
the same light, it's most likely to
find the vast majority of people
which choose to walk on the
sidewalks when available.

However, this year has brought
to the University a substantial third
method of transportation-bicycles.
These devises are truly amazing.
They can go just about anywhere,
and since there is no established
norm of operating a bicycle here at
the University, it is in fact a reality
to find bicycles zig-zagging
everywhere at any given time.

We in the University community
must make room for this new
segment of transportation, but also,
this new segment must share in the
protecting of the safety and welfare
of our community. I beckon to the
traffic control committee to aid the
University in establishing guidelines
for safe operation of bicycles to
safeguard the new multitude of
bicycle riders as well as those who
choose other methods of getting
around the University.