When I was a child, an astronomy magazine for children published a letter of mine. This was a great thrill, of course, and I wish I still had a copy. They had asked if we discovered life on other planets, if we could take over those planets. I said, “No,” the whole question seemed ridiculous. I believe I said, “If someone pitched tents in your back yard would you like it if they took over the whole house.” (The Not in My Backyard was strong with that one—) “So obviously we can go visit, if they let us, but we shouldn’t take over. The end. Signed, Gentle Tony of Charleston, IL.”
I just remembered that letter. Ah. Thankfully I haven’t grown up to be a crank who leaves comments on youtube pages and in online obituary guest books. (But…Why didn’t I become an astronomer?)
