It Was 106 Years Ago Today...

[aptpupil]

...that Orville and Wilbur Wright undertook what is universally recognised as "the first sustained and controlled heavier than air powered flight" from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

(By a bizarre coincidence, my own personal first flight was about 80 years later and was to North Carolina, but we'll gloss over that)

A fantastic achievement, for which the brothers are rightly celebrated, and there can be no denying the benefits of flight, but I wonder if they could possibly have envisaged the atrocities that would be committed utilising this new technology - the atomic bombs that were dropped in WW2, as well as the conventional bombs dropped from aircraft that have killed millions over the decades on all corners of the globe. The 9/11 WTC attack in 2001, and other acts of terrorism, etc. Not to mention the impact that commercial and military flights are having on polluting the Earth's atmosphere and possibly contributing to global warming.

With every wish there comes a curse.

[Moderator]

So I take it you're a half-empty sort of person.

[aptpupil]

Ouch, Marsha.

I just thought that the Wright brothers achievement was worthy of mention on its anniversary, and that a few SKMB members might like a wider debate on the pros and cons of the aviation industry.

Where Ms Mod leads, others will follow, so I guess I better strap myself down and prepare for turbulence.

[TBlack]

Damn them Wright brothers!
What about Earnest & Julio Gallo Apt? I gotta be pissed at them too?

[dwspell]

ok aptpupil...

So do you want to stop all technology and go back to the times of old?? I'm sure that you didn't benefit at all from this or any other wonderful achievement that has been invented before or since...geez get a grip, some people. Well said ms. mod.

[PatInTheHat]

And the bicycle industry has suffered all the more for it once that made the switch...just think of the possiblities of that intercontinental bike path that had to be scrapped..yeah, I know.

If you ever happen to be in the Dayton Ohio area (why is beyond any and all comprehension, but....), you should to take the time and check out the Wright Patterson Air Force Museum and the Dayton Aviation Park.
Some pretty groovy stuff to see, you know, if your into that kinda thing...kids love it.

[Draga]

My first flight was 5 years ago, it destroyed my life. I haven't fly again ever since.

[Moderator]

Ouch, Marsha.

I just thought that the Wright brothers achievement was worthy of mention on its anniversary, and that a few SKMB members might like a wider debate on the pros and cons of the aviation industry.

Where Ms Mod leads, others will follow, so I guess I better strap myself down and prepare for turbulence.

Just an observation on my part based on several threads you've started or responded to recently. How other people react is entirely up to them and my opinion quite often differs from theirs.

[aptpupil]

dwspell

I don't want to stop any useful technology, my friend. What a bizarre claim on your part.

I am merely making a point about the capacity of man to take a technological breakthrough that should benefit the human race, and transform it for evil purposes. Do you have a problem with that?

[poisonbat]

Seriously Drew, that can be said about each and every technological advance we have. TV is creating a bunch of couch potatoes, Internet, video games, texting and cell phones all taking away from family time? All true! Is technology to blame for pandemics? The swine flu has been carried all around the globe by air travel.

But really, in all honesty.... I don't want to stop using my technology, I like it. If I may make a suggestion to you Drew, get a book called "Amusing ourselves to death" by Neil Postman. Me thinks you would like it.

More people have been killed by food than aircrafts! True statement!