Friday, April 21, 1961 University Daily Kansan
Sound and Fury
Page 3
An Open Letter to JFK
Two factors have prompted me to write this letter. The first being the recent Russian feat of orbiting and recovering a man from space and the second my viewing of the Wernher Von Braun story, "I Aim at the Stars." Both incidences have strengthened the convictions I have outlined below.
I STRONGLY FEEL THAT THIS NATION SHOULD DIRECT much more effort into its space programs because of these beliefs: 1) World peace can be achieved and maintained only as long as a balance of power between the world powers is maintained, and that Russia is in danger of tipping the scales; 2) A nation's future power is strongly determined by the strength of its scientific discoveries in the present; 3) One reason why we are having difficulty in combating Communism both at home and abroad is because most people, like myself, are not fully aware of what they can do to help their country. There is no clearly defined purpose, no clear objectives, that can serve to channel our energies. As a result, our masses face widespread frustration which is reflected in indifference and complacency; 4) What our nation needs is a unifying force which can unite our diverse resources towards achieving a common goal. If such a force could be found, then I feel national interests could be kindled. And then, Mr. President, it is my opinion that you would find more people taking an interest in the programs which you believe can better our nation; 5) I believe a vigorous space program could give us this unifying force, by giving us a sense of accomplishment and thereby bolstering the confidence of not only ourselves, but of the free world; 6) and finally, I would much rather pay taxes for the development of space than for bombers, atom bombs, or polaris submarines that will never be used. (They will never be used unless the Russian scientific advantage becomes so great that they can attack us with confidence.) Rather than building hundreds of military missiles, who not build an absolute minimum number and devote the extra funds to creative research—such as space exploration.
I FEEL THAT OUR NATION HAS THRIVED, IN PART, BECAUSE we have exploited the vast potential of our frontiers—be they geographic, technological, or scientific. We have utilized our curiosities to delve into the unknown and have reaped great discoveries. Today we are faced with a new frontier—outer space—and, as a nation, we have yet to realize the potential of this new region. It is the Soviet Union that is pioneering this new frontier, and they are reaping the rewards of prestige, propaganda, and self confidence, aside from any scientific information which they have gathered.
IN THE FACE OF SOVIET PROPAGANDA AND SCIENTIFIC achievements, we must not allow ourselves to rationalize away our second place position in space. We must do the only realistic thing possible—accept the Soviet position as a challenge and then meet that challenge with all of the resources within our capacity. If Dr. Robert C. Seamans, of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, says that our only chance of beating the Russians to the moon is with a "crash" program and this is true, then let us have a crash program. If the cost is great, well I would still rather pay taxes for a cause that will restore my nation's vitality.
b.
c.
I understand, sir, that you are the only person who can make the decision to give us a "crash" space program and that you cannot make it without popular support. If so, then I am a small part of that needed support. I hope that you will not be forced to tolerate our own indolence.
Sincerely, Robert D. Rati Pittsburg senior
(I have exercised my prerogative as a citizen and written this letter to the President of the U.S. I am interested in discovering how many students agree with my views. Those who are interested I would urge to join me in this appeal by writing the President.)
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