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NASA plans Muslim outreach

Old 02-17-2010, 01:28 PM
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Default NASA plans Muslim outreach

I came across this today. I'm curious if this was more PR move, or if it offered any long-term benefits to strengthening our space program.

Anyone - especially those who've worked with NASA - care to weigh in?


Orlando Sentinel – The Write Stuff


WASHINGTON — NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden said Tuesday that President Barack Obama has asked him to “find ways to reach out to dominantly Muslim countries” as the White House pushes the space agency to become a tool of international diplomacy.

“In addition to the nations that most of you usually hear about when you think about the International Space Station, we now have expanded our efforts to reach out to non-traditional partners,” said Bolden, speaking to a lecture hall of young engineering students.

Specifically, he talked about connecting with countries that do not have an established space program and helping them conduct science missions. He mentioned new opportunities with Indonesia, including an educational program that examines global climate change.

“We really like Indonesia because the State Department, the Department of Education [and] other agencies in the U.S. are reaching out to Indonesia as the largest Muslim nation in the world. We would love to establish partners there,” Bolden said.

As a presidential candidate, Obama espoused a space program that invited more participation from the international community and Deputy NASA Administrator Lori Garver said recently that the next time NASA lands on the moon it would be part of an international exploration effort.
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Old 02-17-2010, 01:51 PM
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Space operations is a source of great national prestige for the citizens of many nations who participate. Reaching out may help moderate and on-the-fence muslims feel more affinity for the US and less affinity for radical Islam.
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Old 02-17-2010, 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by rickair7777 View Post
Space operations is a source of great national prestige for the citizens of many nations who participate. Reaching out may help moderate and on-the-fence muslims feel more affinity for the US and less affinity for radical Islam.
I really am not flaming you Rick, but do you really believe that anything is going to change the mind of a Muslim who's sole purpose in life is to kill as many "Infidels" (preferably women and children), as he can. I agree when you talk about moderate muslims, what I'm not sure is whether moderate muslims actually exist.
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Old 02-17-2010, 06:11 PM
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NASA has been "a tool of international diplomacy" since its inception.

The Space Race was the Cold War fought by other means. It was an appeal made to the hearts and minds of every third-world country to side with the West.
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Old 02-17-2010, 06:13 PM
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I can understand this outreach from a former citizen of Indonesia.

Perhaps it will increase the throw weight and accuracy of Iranian ICBMs.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwVwtLwyDA8

Last edited by jungle; 02-17-2010 at 06:52 PM.
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Old 02-18-2010, 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by TPROP4ever View Post
I really am not flaming you Rick, but do you really believe that anything is going to change the mind of a Muslim who's sole purpose in life is to kill as many "Infidels" (preferably women and children), as he can. I agree when you talk about moderate muslims, what I'm not sure is whether moderate muslims actually exist.

I have a significant academic background on this subject.

The extremists are a lost cause, they must be killed, captured, or neutralized.

There are plenty of moderate muslims, but probably even more "on-the-fence" muslims who are just normal people, but with bad or incomplete information. A large percentage can't read, and what they know of the west comes from the imams, madrassas, al-jazeera, or their government's propaganda...highly biased at best.

We need to keep the moderates moderate, and try to engage/sway the "in-betweens". There too many to just kill all of them...unless we are willing to commit thermonuclear genocide.
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Old 02-18-2010, 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by TPROP4ever View Post
I agree when you talk about moderate muslims, what I'm not sure is whether moderate muslims actually exist.
That has got to be the most small minded thing I've read in a LONG time. That's a new low, even for the internet.

Rick, I agree with you. It's hard to change the mind of any religious extremist, but the idea may win some of the moderates.
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Old 02-19-2010, 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Senior Skipper View Post
That has got to be the most small minded thing I've read in a LONG time. That's a new low, even for the internet.

Rick, I agree with you. It's hard to change the mind of any religious extremist, but the idea may win some of the moderates.
First off (read the whole statement) where I said if the moderates do exist I didnt disagree with the idea. As far as me saying I'm not sure I believe they exist (the only part of my quote you saw apparently) Why do you think thats small minded. It seems everyday, there are muslims moving to this country some of which secretly harboring ill will towards the "Great Satan." They may claim to be moderate or peaceful, but I tend to not issue blind trust to anyone regardless of their background. IE you have to earn my trust, and until then, I will keep any person I dont know at arms legnth and never turn my back on him or her. If you think not turning my back on someone (who may or may not) wish my country ill will is small minded then so be it. I will protect my own. The great thing about this country is that you sir, are indeed free to turn your back blindly to anyone you wish in the name of goodwill. That does not mean they might not stick a knife right into it. Dont get all "help me" if they do.

Maybe your PC sensability that I so offended, should pause and consider that if one actually is a Moderate "Peace loving" Muslim, maybe they should be reaching out to us and earn OUR trust. Maybe its time to call a duck a duck, and stop being politically correct all the time. My point was and still is "Just because they claim to be a moderate muslim, doesnt mean I just blindly believe it.....I might give them a chance to prove they want peace , but if I do you can bet it will be with all caution, and both eyes looking straight at them, if that makes me small minded I've been called worse.

Last edited by TPROP4ever; 02-19-2010 at 07:22 PM. Reason: punctuation, clear up a point
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Old 02-19-2010, 08:11 PM
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Originally Posted by TPROP4ever View Post
The great thing about this country is that you sir, are indeed free to turn your back blindly to anyone you wish in the name of goodwill. That does not mean they might not stick a knife right into it. Dont get all "help me" if they do.

Maybe your PC sensability that I so offended, should pause and consider that if one actually is a Moderate "Peace loving" Muslim, maybe they should be reaching out to us and earn OUR trust. Maybe its time to call a duck a duck, and stop being politically correct all the time. My point was and still is "Just because they claim to be a moderate muslim, doesnt mean I just blindly believe it.....I might give them a chance to prove they want peace , but if I do you can bet it will be with all caution, and both eyes looking straight at them, if that makes me small minded I've been called worse.
Another great thing about this country is the freedom to practice any religion one chooses. Do you think a Muslim would "reach out" to a country that has turned a blind eye on him since it's conception? Perhaps, before you categorize nearly a quarter of Earth's population, you should read about Jonestown, the KKK, the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, the Concerned Christians, the Westboro Baptist Church, and so on.
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Old 02-19-2010, 08:16 PM
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I'm somewhat guilty here too, but religion is not an allowed subject here at APC.

The thread started as an aerospace and foreign relations topic, but I'm going to close it before it heads any further down this road.
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