The two stories of July 1

So, at the end of this coming week there will be two major events happening. Only one will truly be an event of note, and it won't be here on this planet.

The other, of course, is the 'transfer of power', due to be ceremoniously celebrated in Iraq on June 30th. As there is no doubt United States troops will be there until (at least) the end of 2005(!), I don't see how this can be considered anything but a farce. Not only is it unlikely to benefit the Iraqi people (or, rather, the arbitrary grouping of 3 cultures), but it is already sparking fires and aggression and resentment from those that feel the U.S. has handled the situation unfairly, immorally and illegally.

Fairness, morality and legality, as separate concepts, form a social, religious and political triad that are the structure underpinning our national view of human behavior and interaction. But, in the world of the people to whom we are "bringing democracy", there is a fusion of spiritual and social power. Since we in this country are required, by the tenets of our society and government, to keep our sense of duty to country and duty to spirit in different minds, it is difficult and even uncomfortable to try to comprehend the forces that drive a society where the two are so closely linked. This is why I believe the end of this week is an unavoidable and inevitable crisis point. That is why I do not look forward to the events surrounding that occasion.

I am, however, truly excited at the opportunity we will have to see, in incomprensible detail and beauty, one of the most stunning vistas in the solar system. The Cassini mission to Saturn culminates this weekend with a flight that will take us through the rings, skimming the surface within a few thousand miles, and once more plunging through the plane of the rings to enter orbit for an extended visit. Then, within a few weeks, we will get a close look at one of the other most intriguing planets in the solar system. One that just happens to be a moon of Saturn. Titan, which is larger than Mercury, has been known to have a rich atmosphere and chemistry that probably holds more riches than any other planet besides Earth.

This is going to be a truly magnificent show. Imagine a giant plane of rings stretching from here to the moon. That is what the view will be. I can't wait for this one...