Slashdot Mirror
Rocket Hobbyists Get Blown Away by Regulations
dogfart writes "Amateur rocket hobbyists are bearing the brunt of Federal anti-terror efforts. Cumbersome regulations (which include extensive background checks) are pushing many to abandon the hobby. Even clubs associated with colleges (such as Kettering) have ended up folding under the pressure. Quoting the article: '"If we're in an environment where the government says you've got to get fingerprinted and background checked, and spend three to four months to do it, (adults are) not going to participate in my hobby," said Mark Bundick, president of the National Association of Rocketry. "We need more kids. It helps them learn technology. It's the technological base here in the country that we need to protect, and this hobby is a good introduction for kids that are interested in technology. If I lose those adults, then I will not be able to train those kids."'" We wrote about these regulations before, and followed it up with a Slashback.
Insightful?!?! I didn't realize commercial airliners were considered amateur rockets these days.. I'd hate to see what the pros use!
I am sure this can be out-sourced too.
/sarcasm >
Especially, since both India and China have healthy and thriving space programmes.
<
This is an interesting point, especially since the Republicans in particular seem to think that anyone Bush appoints has a right to the office, and if Democrats question the nominee and exert their constitutional duty to approve or deny, they are being "political", which some how became a bad word.
That's gotta fit into your schema somewhere
Then again, this logic is so logically flawed, it's kind of like saying, "Citizens should not have water, as it could lead to drowning deaths".
Citizens should not have water, as they can use it to waterboard Iraqi and Afghani prisoners.
Oh, sorry, that was done by the U.S. government on CIA orders, so it's ok.
Nevermind.
Opinions on the Twiddler2 hand-held keyboard?
It appears as though you don't understand the meaning of the word 'arbitrary'.
If the government was cracking down on left handed guitars that would be arbitrary.
Regulating rockets most certainly isn't.
You've obviously never studied Constitutional law because you have no right to build rockets.
This only affects the weirdo's who build rockets that they shouldn't be building anyway.
Any of the stuff we did as kids is still unregulated.
Moreover the really huge stuff hasn't even been banned, it's just a hassle to get licensed.
Cry me a river.
let's all keep in mind that it was politicians enamored with redistribution and central planning who paved the way for the Federal government to become the leviathan that it is today.
No, it wasn't. The US federal government is a leviathan because of one thing: the US military. That takes up 50% of discretionary spending.
Yes, the US federal government also happens to run a bunch of huge social insurance businesses (social security, medicare, etc.), but they seem to be doing that quite well, actually.
Keep in mind that Rutan had to ask PERMISSION before he could fly high this week, too.
Regulations crush innovation. Both sides of the Party of State Power just LOVE regulating everything you do. So if you voted for anyone other than a Libertarian, you voted for someone who enjoys regulating your life.
Bob-
The Ludwig von Mises Institute. The reasoning individuals economics
"America's days as a viable nation are numbered"
Congratulations, you are now considered a terrorist with these remarks. An unmarked van will shortly be coming to your home, to give you an all expenses paid vacation at a secure and undisclosed location. You will never have to work again. (At least until the "Arbeit macht frei" slogans appear at your re-education resort)
Service guarantees Citizenship! Questions Guarantee GITMO.... Amerika Uber Alles!