Would the air catch fire?

CSM ( (no email) )
Tue, 21 Sep 1999 22:38:58 +1200

Hey all,
I was just remembering something I read.
I don't think this is off subject, it just raises a few questions about
responsibility.
Is it really true that the scientists who gathered around to test the first
nuclear bomb didn't know what would happen when they set it off? Did some
really worry that the air itself would catch fire?
I'm wondering because of the fact that these scientests who are the cream of
our societies and revered for their learning went ahead with the test
anyway. Phew, aren't we lucky the worst scenario never came to pass.
I know that a faint heart never did anything new, but to carry out something
that in some peoples view may end the world is really testing the limits.

Ok, now for a little scenario of my own.
Someone invents a cheap anti gravity device. Wonderful, the uses are
endless. The public are freed from the greedy few and transport to anywhere
in your own vehicle is possible.
You only have to look at the side of the road or the end of the four wheel
drive track to see the pointless vandalism and careless disposal of all
kinds of rubbish (usally beer cans). What will happen to our unspoiled
wilderness areas!
Who is going to make the rules? Will there be any rules? With the invention
of the anti gravity device comes the need to use it in a responsible manner.
Can we trust our fellow man to use it responsibly?

What are the group's thoughts?

Colin M....