It has been 50 years since the United States placed the first man on the moon. I watched the recent special on CNN acknowledging the 50-year anniversary. What an impressive testimonial to our technological capacity, our innovation, our futuristic thinking and the amazing talent of individuals that it took to put this journey together. It was a race to the moon so we could lead the world in space travel.
What a rush for Neil Armstrong to take that first infamous step for all mankind. How innovative it was to see two vehicles undock and dock over two hundred and twenty-five thousand miles away. It was truly a celebration of NASA’s capacity which literally stopped the world in total amazement at such an achievement.
It took a huge commitment to make this a dream a reality. What if we were as committed to solve our opioid crisis? What if we were to put the $20 billion budget to solve the poverty problems in our communities? What could we achieve in our education systems with the same commitment and drive that we had when we went to the moon? I ponder such questions because of the desperation we currently face in our world to resolve so many social problems.
I realize that human problems are complex, pervasive and filled with trauma. However even a few initiatives that had our complete commitment and proper funding could yield life-changing results for children, parents, communities, states and the entire country. I’m quite certain that task of going to the moon seemed overwhelming at first and probably not even possible when NASA began in the 1950’s,
When I see great accomplishments like that amazing Apollo flight to the moon, it gives me hope that we may be able to resolve some of our human adversities with the same innovation and drive. We have the knowledge, technology and funding if we could only prioritize it like we prioritized our travel and walk on the moon.
However, this journey is exceptional in that it would alleviate suffering right at the core of our human existence. I think of so many interventions and programs that could be put in place that would preserve, protect and enhance the quality of life for so many so that they could thrive in their world. If we can land on the moon, I just wonder what else we could do to change the world we live in forever?
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
