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Dujon John, This what we need someone who can focus more on the specifics so a workable program can be drafted. I dont know if they still have Army cadets in schools I expect that insurance has closed that down but that would have faced the same problems before it came in, astronomy is not as important as army training but it probably is more beneficial than some subjects presently taking time and resources. . Perhaps we could have it instead of sport for some kids and certainly as an overall problem giving astronomy the nerdy image is something I think goes to the heart of the problem, and that I suspect is a preconception rather than a reality. Why not promote Mr Edwin Hubble as a role model for example, this man was a lawyer and a contender for the heavy weight boxing title of the world, gee if that could not turn impressions around then get a new add man.
When I was a kid and sputnik went over every kid became interested in science, it was on a roll. I think most kids would go for it presented the right way ... As to cries of where is the money coming from maybe from the GST on astronomy gear, maybe the GST on petrol, tabacco booze or charge over dose cases a fee when admitted to hospital.
If you can see a basic benefit for kids its worth following up. We have some bright people here and the opportunity of investigating the possibilities with out expending too much energy other than offering an input such as we have been doing. But lets think of some more reasons why it would be a good thing and how it could help our country, after all China turns out 1,000,000 engineers a year I dont know how many scientists but we dont want to fall behind the world in science or engineering.
I would like to think there is enough happening in astronomy that if we simply talk it thru and offer our ideas those ideas will be picked up by folk who can take it futher. Thanks for your input everyone.
As to Mr Garret he is sortta the current role model that our kids have to look to maybe we can even improve on that.
alex
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