I know this sounds absurd, but I was just watching PBS Space-Time and physicists have actually proposed these hypothesis as a means of creating unlimited long term energy that could change how we live on Earth today and space tomorrow.
Now considering the massive amount of manpower and dwindling natural resources on our planet to pursue such a lofty goal that is not guaranteed to work in the first place, could yield consequences we have never considered.
In addition, despite the fact that Mercury as far as we understand it is a lifeless world, it is still in my opinion a sovereign planet within our solar system that should be studied, but not exploited to the point of literally destroying an entire world.
Haven't we done enough with our own planet? Do we have to mess up another planet and possibly our entire solar system as we understand it to carry out an idea that may not even work?
I believe in science, but I also believe in common sense and the basic moral questions that come to mind when we tackle any new situation. That is part of the reason science fiction literature and dramatization is popular because it can safely explore ideas that we may not have considered and present multiple points of view where we as individuals can think and make informed decisions.
You don't have to be a scientist to understand science and present alternative views or concerns privately or publicly. If we take the opinion of a professional and not question it as a society then we are giving up our power to reason things to a few and power is not sufficient evidence of truth.
Don't let an "expert" intimidate you from asking questions. Stay inquisitive. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mark A. Rivera
August 24, 2016
