I would have to point out that by custom the remains of notable individuals are often interred in public monuments and shrines, and become in every respect the property of society as a whole. Admittedly this whole business of honoring the dead bits is a little creepy, but its place in tradition, and thus its cultural legitimacy, can't be denied.

While it may be a bit unseemly, Jacob is hardly the first person to ever have a heated opinion about the disposition of the remains of a revered figure. Wars have been fought over the bones of saints. We enjoy spectacles such as the toppling of Saddam's statue for their symbolic desecration of the remains. As scientifically sophisticated as we may be, in our bones, bones have totemic power.

The naming of Sagan Memorial Station is a fine honor, but I may not be the only one who thinks it's insufficient for somebody of Sagan's stature. Not the first but third American landing site might merit a plaque on a future terraformed Mars; maybe Sagan deserves something more. Who's up for renaming Olympus Mons?

Anyway, I'm guessing that Jacob's partly motivated by a desire for greater honors for Dr. Sagan. I sympathize with that, and forgive him his vehemence.