The Brookings Report

Education, Just for Fun

The Brookings Report

The Brookings Report, officially known as the “Proposed Studies on the Implications of Peaceful Space Activities for Human Affairs,” was commissioned by NASA and created by the Brookings Institution in 1960. It was submitted to the House Committee on Science and Astronautics of the United States House of Representatives on April 18, 1961. The report’s significance lies in its thoughtful consideration of the possibility of encountering extraterrestrial life during space exploration missions and the potential impact of such a discovery on public attitudes and values. It proposed that if the discovery of extraterrestrial life were to be made, it might be advisable to withhold that information from the public to avoid societal disruption. The report is highly significant due to its forward-thinking approach, especially considering the nascent state of space exploration at that time.

I’m not sure that the report served the best interests of our citizens since it was based primarily on the perceived disruption to “Belief systems”. The truth would suffer, and that is seldom good. Assuming the considerable proof that we have been contacted, it seems the report is still in full force.

Is there a Ninth planet in our Solar System?

Just for Fun, Science

For those who believe Zacharia Sitchen’s assertions, there is one by the name of Nibiru that has an elliptical orbit of about 3,600 years. While he was a prolific author and did spend a great deal of his life studying cuneiform tablets, his findings remain in dispute by many. For me, I remain open to the idea. Unfortunately, if this planet comes close enough to ours to be observed, it will be long past my time. I have read all of his books and find them entertaining regardless of their veracity. See what Wikipedia has to say.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_Nine#:~:text=It%20would%20take%20the%20planet,15%C2%B0%20to%2025%C2%B0

Reflecting on the Iraq & Afghanistan conflicts

Broken in the USA, Economics, Finance, Government Issues

Reflecting on the Iraq & Afghanistan conflicts

The United States lost 2,459 military personnel in Afghanistan between October 2001 and August 2021, with 1,922 of those killed in action. In addition, there were civilian contractor fatalities, with estimates around 1,822, and 18 CIA operatives also killed during the conflict. The total death toll from the conflict, however, is much higher, including significantly more Afghan civilians and other allied troops, as well as those who died indirectly from the war’s effects on infrastructure and public health

In the 20 years since September 11, 2001, the United States has spent more than $2 trillion on the war in Afghanistan. That’s $300 million dollars per day, every day, for two decades. Or $50,000 for each of Afghanistan’s 40 million people.

In March 2003, U.S. forces invaded Iraq vowing to destroy Iraqi weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and end the dictatorial rule of Saddam Hussein. When WMD intelligence proved illusory and a violent insurgency arose, the war lost public support. Saddam was captured, tried, and hanged and democratic elections were held. In the years since, there have been over 4,700 U.S. and allied troop deaths, and more than one hundred thousand Iraqi civilians have been killed. Meanwhile, questions linger over Iraq’s fractious political situation.

The CBO estimated that of the $2.4 trillion long-term price tag for the war, about $1.9 trillion of that would be spent on Iraq, or $6,300 per US citizen in just under 9 years.