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From: space@ucbvax.UUCP
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Subject: Re: Space Station, SDI, L5, and the Militarization of Space
Message-ID: <8601101419.AA24727@ucbvax.berkeley.edu>
Date: Fri, 10-Jan-86 09:19:57 EST
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Posted: Fri Jan 10 09:19:57 1986
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> Nuclear annihilation should be unthinkable.

I agree, but not everybody thinks that way.  Until they do, we have to
defend ourselves, either by an offensive system of deterrence, or a
defensive system like SDI.  Unfortunately, it's easier to invent new
weapons than to alter the way people think.

L5 is interested in space colonization, and some members feel the SDI
program will help get large, cheap launch systems built that can be
used for other purposes besides SDI.  Others beleive the SDI weapons
would make it too easy to destroy anything in orbit, including space
stations.  I think L5 leaders are trying to moderate the SDI debate
so that the other subjects L5 members are interested in will survive,
instead of having L5 split up into pro and con factions.