Thursday, July 5, 1990

From “Last to next?”

Alaskans must cast aside the pessimistic view of being the “Last Frontier” and create a new self-identity based on being the optimistic “Next Frontier.”  This new self-identity can be based on the view that humans are limitless in their creative potentiality and are destined to populate the universe.

The optimistic “Next Frontier” perspective can even lead to direct Alaskan participation in space colonization.

The U.S. National Commission on Space “believes that the potential for significant break-throughs in science and technology have never been greater, from molecular biology and plasma physics to supercomputers and robotic factories.”

The commission’s charge to “recommend a civilian space program that will advance the broader goals of American society” can be combined with U.S. Sen. Frank Murkowski’s suggestion that the Alaska Legislature do studies to “encourage a smelter in the state of Alaska.”

Combining the commission’s recommendations with Murkowski’s suggestion can provide the optimistic “Next Frontier” functional goals necessary for developing human creative potentiality in Alaska. Thus, Alaska’s material domestic interest in the plasma smelting and robotic capital goods production of a resource-based economy becomes the entry point into space colonization.

Is there really any Alaskan who wants to be considered “last” when changing three little letters can potentially transform the course of human history?

Charles E. Duncan