The leadership of the NSS released the following statement Friday a.m., October 12, 2001:

Robert Zubrin's article "Victory from Space" published in Space News on October 8, was not written in his capacity as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Space Society and his comments do not reflect any position held by NSS. Zubrin's comments concerning Islam and fundamentalism contained in that article are outside the scope of the activities and goals of the National Space Society.

The primary goal of the National Space Society is to increase public understanding of how space exploration and development result in scientific, technical and economic benefits that improve the quality of life on Earth.

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MARS SOCIETY CANADA STATEMENT ON DR. ROBERT ZUBRIN'S EDITORIAL IN THE
OCTOBER 8TH EDITION OF SPACE NEWS
October 12, 2001

Earlier this week, Robert Zubrin wrote an editorial on the events of
September 11, 2001, and released it to Space News. The board members of Mars
Society Canada feel that his statement was uncalled for, in poor taste and
entirely inappropriate. This issue has no bearing on the goals and
objectives of Mars Society. We would like to note at this point that we are
a separate and autonomous organization, and the views reflected in the
editorial do not represent the position or views of Mars Society Canada.

We would encourage individual chapters to issue a statement to the effect
that if Zubrin wishes to write editorials like this, he should not do so as
President of the US Society with a by-line presenting himself as such. If he
wants to present a position on a subject on behalf of the Society, he should
do so ONLY with the approval and support of the board of directors and
chapter representatives.

We would also encourage individual members to email Zubrin (zubrin@aol.com)
expressing their views on this issue.

Board of Directors
Mars Society Canada

For more information contact:
Chandra Clarke, cclarke@marssociety.ca
Director of Communications
Mars Society Canada
http://www.marssociety.ca