Conference 7.286::space

469.0. "Media and space." by WIMPY::MOPPS () Thu Sep 29 1988 12:50

    There are many note Replies but no cohesisive note to deal with the 
    specific issue of obtaining support for the space progran.  Clearly
    the direction will not come from the White House.  And I would bet 
    the badge that writing congressmen as an individual will not get the 
    required support due to the influnce of a few letters versus the lobby 
    power pressure.
    
    How can we as a group of noters most effectively advocate and
    communicate a support for the US space effort?
    
    An idea struck me as I looked at todays paper and the tone of support
    for the launch of "The US return to space".  The Ride Report will
    not get the support for longterm space policy, A letter to a congress-
    man will not either.  A letter to the White House has the same effect.
    What then moves the masses in support of any issue and therefor
    lobby power and therefor congress and therefor the president
    signing the bucks to the program.  
    
    Curiously enough, none of the things mentioned above has the effect
    of support by the media.  When the news has a fresh angle, "The
    US returns to space", the support is there.  As time passes and
    the angles get less fresh, the media support wanes and so does the
    support from the government.  
    
    Callously stated, Whats good for selling papers is good for the
    country.  Look at the lunar program, It had the support from the press
    until the second or third landing, and then became page two three etc.
    Just before the last launch to the moon, the press was clamoring for
    the launch of the shuttle?  The result was the last few launches were
    cancled and the money was re-directed to the shuttle! 
    
    I could go on and on, but I hate long retorical notes just as you
    do.  I suggest that sending support letters to the local papers
    and media will have a larger effect than sending the same letter
    to congress or the White House.  The space program is too important
    to be left to the mercy of those who just want to sell papers or
    soap.  *PUBLISHED* well written editorials have a large effect on
    the lobby power (and therefor gov'tmental policy).  Copies sent
    to the congressman help considerably as well.  
    
    Comments

    Les
    

Sounds like a fresh idea.  I think I'll try it out.


Rich

    .... And join the Planetary Society.
    
    
    			Steve

    	See also Topic 279.