A sick kid, a green pool, and an unsettled stomach prevented me from posting this yesterday but better late than Never.

I just wanted to express a few words of appreciation for what I think may be one of the most exceptional planets in the galaxy. While it may seem strange for a strong supporter of space colonization, I don't think we will ever find a planet as good as Earth. Those of you who know my ETI stance have heard many reasons, but for the rest suffice to say that I think the Earth has a rare combination of characteristics that are supportive of higher life. I want mankind to colonize space not to escape Earth, but to benefit and protect it as well as mankind. I just don't relate well scifi stories or space advocates that treat Earth as some poor abandoned relative or worse yet a doomed world.

I see terraforming and life support technology as a way to help us understand and protect Earth's own environment better. I see space exploration driving solar and fusion technology advancements for the benefit of Earth. I see asteroid mining and better propulsion as conducive to protecting Earth from the impact threat. Spreading humanity around the solar system also increases the chance of detecting threatening objects to a smaller degree. I see both space science and science as a whole as a means of protecting Earth from even greater threats some of which are likely still unknown. I certainly think satellite monitoring of the Earth protects both humans and our planet. I see comparative planetology as means of helping us better understand or planet and the ramifications of our own actions better (GW, ozone, volcanism, earthquakes, etc).

While I have a keen interest in many other worlds and want to know far more about them especially whether or not life exists on any of them, I think we have the best planet under our feet. On a clear day I often marvel at the beauty of our blue sky and take a deep breath of our unusual and unstable oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere that arose through an enterplay of geological and biological processes. The balmy temperature makes me think of the complex geological processes involved in plate techtonics and its impact as a global thermostat. I see manmade structures all around and appreciate those same processes for concenrating ores we can use. I see birds in the sky or animals running around and wonder how many other worlds have spawned such diversity.

We have a wonderfull planet. Take care of it now and forever more.

Regards,
Mark