[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 100 (Tuesday, July 9, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                FACING THE FUTURE CHALLENGES OF MANKIND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 9, 1996

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention and submit for the Record a letter I recently received from 
Henry Chrystie of Yucaipa, CA, that raises some intriguing ideas and 
questions relating to the challenges mankind will face in the future. 
As Congress strives to make wise and prudent decisions to guide our 
country, Mr. Chrystie's thoughts will give all of us a little more to 
think about.

       To the powers that be.
       Ever since I was 14, in 1927, I have understood that, in my 
     lifetime, men would be on the Moon and Mars, and I knew how 
     it was going to be done. I now understand why. It is because 
     we humans are expanding our population at such a rapid rate 
     that in the future we are going to be hard pressed to provide 
     space and food for ourselves. We will convert sea water, and 
     we will convert the deserts to provide more livable land. We 
     will also get into some real knockdown drag-out fights over 
     who has what. We will wish we had laid the groundwork for the 
     human race to expand outward toward the universe, which is 
     our destiny. This is the massive problem we will be forced to 
     face. If this sounds dire, then show me that I am wrong.
       It takes a lot of foresight to be in a position of 
     responsibility, such as a Congressperson. Some of you have it 
     but, unfortunately, some of you do not. You killed the search 
     for extra-terrestrial intelligence even though any 
     mathematician knows that it has to be out there because of 
     the huge numbers that establish that probability. Now you 
     seek to cut off funds, such as to NASA, etc. because you 
     don't seem to understand how important long-range research 
     and planning is.
       Are we going to stall around until we are in a real bind, 
     or are we going to continue our long-range research and 
     studies so that we will be able to cope with our needs as 
     they develop? It is up to you, the powers that be, to very 
     carefully consider this problem because the future of the 
     worlds' population is in your hands. I for one, hope you have 
     the brains to make the right decisions.
       All I can say to you is--think--very carefully. You must 
     continue to support NASA, Mars Surveyor, Galileo, New 
     Millenium, and related activities.

                          ____________________