The Barney Gambit
In my humble opinion, if I say to people that I think(because it was a whim of mine at the time) there is a 1953 Chevy Pickup Truck orbiting the planet Mars, is it not true that the possibility of such a reality, be it ever so slim, is more than infinitely improbable but less than totally probable?!
If Sherlock Holmes were on the case, would he not employ, as he always does, a systematic approach to the issue? Would he not, step by step, eliminate all other possibilities until he is left, be it ever so improbable, with the only possible answer?! Also, as he systematically eliminates each possibility, would not the overall probability consistently change for each elimination?!---Jeffrey John Niebuhr 09/15/2016
Fundamental Declarations of the Martian Colonies
When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for Planets to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected Them with their Home Planet Earth, and to assume with the Earth a separate and autonomous status, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that They should declare the causes which impel Them to the Separation.
We contend that the great distances and differing Planetary realities among Planets and the Earth have given rise to numerous inequities and misunderstandings.
We further contend that the representation afforded Planets in any Earth-centered Political Forum cannot provide a sufficient voice for our Needs and Aspirations.
We, therefore, the Representatives of all Inhabited Regions of the Solar System, met here at the Martian Colonies, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of the Regions, solemnly Publish and Declare, that these Regions are, and of Right ought to be, FREE AND AUTONOMOUS.
This Declaration implies no malice nor animosity toward the Planet Earth. It recognizes the Authority of the Earth over interplanetary affairs and pledges Full Participation in the Maintenance and Security of the Solar System.
However, the FREEDOM AND AUTONOMY of these Regions must be considered and inviolable principle, which hereafter, must be honored by all peaceful Governments and will be Defended by these Regions with the full weight of their Honor, their Fortunes, and their Lives.
SIGNED at these MARTIAN COLONIES, 2062. JOHN HAMMERLICH, GOVERNOR OF THE MARTIAN COLONIES
When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for Planets to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected Them with their Home Planet Earth, and to assume with the Earth a separate and autonomous status, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that They should declare the causes which impel Them to the Separation.
We contend that the great distances and differing Planetary realities among Planets and the Earth have given rise to numerous inequities and misunderstandings.
We further contend that the representation afforded Planets in any Earth-centered Political Forum cannot provide a sufficient voice for our Needs and Aspirations.
We, therefore, the Representatives of all Inhabited Regions of the Solar System, met here at the Martian Colonies, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of the Regions, solemnly Publish and Declare, that these Regions are, and of Right ought to be, FREE AND AUTONOMOUS.
This Declaration implies no malice nor animosity toward the Planet Earth. It recognizes the Authority of the Earth over interplanetary affairs and pledges Full Participation in the Maintenance and Security of the Solar System.
However, the FREEDOM AND AUTONOMY of these Regions must be considered and inviolable principle, which hereafter, must be honored by all peaceful Governments and will be Defended by these Regions with the full weight of their Honor, their Fortunes, and their Lives.
SIGNED at these MARTIAN COLONIES, 2062. JOHN HAMMERLICH, GOVERNOR OF THE MARTIAN COLONIES
"My education is 'gloriously uneducated'!"