For the whole of my 18 years, I've watched and put my hopes in science fiction novels and movies. Yes I'm strange, leave me alone. But throughout all of these movies and books and horrible fifties predictions for the future, one or two factors remain the same- jet packs and rocket cars by 2000. In the year 2000, we were supposed to be walking on the moon, fraternizing with aliens, and zipping around citys on stalks in our jet packs and flying cars that made nifty sound effects.

Now, however, it's 2001 and instead of getting any closer to this, we just seem to be stepping backwards. I don't think the nation has it's head on frontwards on this issue, choosing to spend the budget on such far-fetched ideas as "disease research", the "war on drugs", and paying off the "national debt". I believe national money would better benefit the nation if we'd invest it solely in the development of midair propulsion.

Just think of the benefits! Traffic would all but end! Jet packs would make parking a lot easier on colleges and other highly-populated areas with no-fuss storage! The benefits are endless. And just think of the recreation possibilities! All sports get a new spin, making them go up in ratings and participation! Stress levels drop because people spend more time outside flying and enjoying the weather on beautiful days! It would make the world a much easier place to live in.

But, alack and alas, no flying vehicles. Science Fiction has let me down at last, and I'm stuck waiting for my jet propulsion. This, however, doesn't have to be the final kiss for us. We can stand up and demand that car companies, mad scientists, and even the government (headed now by the easily led 'childlike emperor', as I like to call him) get to work on this. If we show enough gusto, our goals can be achieved! Now, go out and write your congressman! Make friends with a mad scientist! Infiltrate car companies by pretending to be a highly savvy business man and implement a flying vehicle research program! Do what you can/must to get us all our freedom in the air!!