Planetariums Standing Guard... Ever Vigilant!

The Adler planetarium in Chicago sought Federal funds, with support from Obama, for a new planetarium projector, costing $3 million. They didn't get the funds, but McCain still knocked Obama during the last debate for supporting the pork. The Adler has issued a statement:

Science literacy is an urgent issue in the United States. To remain competitive and ensure national security, it is vital that we educate and inspire the next generation of explorers to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

National Security! Are any of us truly safe when the Adler must get by with a 40 year old projector? Many scientists are criticising McCain on this, saying it shows he is "anti-science." What hogwash, and what a bunch of whiners these scientists are. Pork is pork. There is no reason I can see why the Adler can't raise the revenue through selling tickets, or soliciting donations from Chicagoans. That's McCain's point; does there really need to be a Federal role in this?

I have gone to my share of planetariums, and they can be fun. But let's face it, they are mostly a thing of the past. When you can download Google Earth and Sky for free, is there really much of a point anymore?

Penn has pretty much the same opinion. He describes planetariums these days as mostly "Laser Zeppelin" as in Led. He's right.