Tim May wrote... "Last laugh: CNN is carrying (10:06 a.m. PST) an "information" slug at the bottom of a Wolf Blitzer interview: "Columbia was traveling 18 times faster than the speed of light." Yes, "speed of light." " Yo Choate! Want to take a crack at this? Please explain using your theories how the shuttle can be traveling 18 times faster than light! -TD "Ain't I a stinker?" BB

From: Tim May <tcmay@got.net> To: cypherpunks@lne.com Subject: "Touching shuttle debris may cause bad spirits to invade your body!" Date: Sun, 2 Feb 2003 10:19:27 -0800

Journalists may as well be saying the above, saying that shuttle debris has evil spirits which can come out if the debris is touched.

Part of the dumbing down of America, and of journalism. (I just heard one Fox News anchorbimbo referring to the Russian rocket launched today as "bringing supplies to the space station.)

The journalists are spouting the NASA line that shuttle debris may be "hot" and may have dangerous substances. Right. As if the heat and spinning and 12000 mph turbulence hasn't scrubbed every surface of its volatiles.

What they want is for people not to collect the pieces and hang on to them on their fireplace mantles. Or to try to sell them at flea markets and EBay.

But the only way they think they can frighten people off is to utter obvious gibberish about how the pieces are "hot" and "may be toxic."

"DALLAS (AP) - From corrosive fuels to ammonia-like liquids, insulation and plastics, space shuttle Columbia carried a witch's brew of toxic and caustic materials designed to work in the hostile environment of space.

"Authorities warned the public to stay away from shuttle debris because it could be harmful.

"Perry said either liquid oxygen from the shuttle's fuel system or liquid nitrogen used to inflate the tires could be dangerous. "

Right. Those charred and warped pieces of metal are going to have liquid oxygen and/or liquid nitrogen on them...after the fall and after sitting on the ground (not to mentioned being so "hot," other NASA droids and reporters report).

(Needless to say, any look at the images of the designated officials picking up the bits of debris shows no HAZMAT suits, no welding gloves to deal with the "hot" debris. The pickup crews are just wearing ordinary coveralls and uniforms.)

Last laugh: CNN is carrying (10:06 a.m. PST) an "information" slug at the bottom of a Wolf Blitzer interview: "Columbia was traveling 18 times faster than the speed of light."

Yes, "speed of light."

Speaking of journalists, why does Wolf Blitzer repeat this obvious lie about the metal bits and pieces being tainted by evil spirits? Because these so-called journalists are stooges for the state.

A real journalist would just roll his eyes and say "Look, folks, NASA wants these pieces to be aid in reconstructing the accident. There are no traces of liquid propellants and deadly chemicals on these pieces. And they certainly didn't stay hot for long. NASA is trying to get us to feed you jive so you'll be properly frightened and won't touch them.?"

--Tim May, Occupied America "They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Benjamin Franklin, 1759.

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