The Emperor is not pleased with the lack of progress...

[Jim Goose]

White House strikes back on Death Star petition

The White House has dashed the hopes of Star Wars fans across the galaxy by rejecting an official petition calling for the US government to build a Death Star - the fictional, planet-destroying space station featured in the iconic movies.

Over 30,000 people signed a petition calling on the US government to secure resources and funding and begin construction of a Death Star by 2016.

Paul Shawcross, head of the White House budget office's science and space branch, said building a Death Star would simply be too expensive.

"The construction of the Death Star has been estimated to cost more than $US850,000,000,000,000,000," he said.

"We're working hard to reduce the deficit, not expand it.

"The Administration shares your desire for job creation and a strong national defence, but a Death Star isn't on the horizon.

"The Administration does not support blowing up planets."

The White House accepts all petitions and responds to ones with over 25,000 signatures.

Quirky petitions have proved popular in recent weeks, including one calling for government to mint a coin worth $US1 trillion.

The Administration shares your desire for job creation and a strong national defence, but a Death Star isn't on the horizon. The Administration does not support blowing up planets.
Paul Shawcross, head of the White House budget office's science and space branch

The Death Star petitioners argued the project would create jobs and strengthen national defence.

Mr Shawcross says while the US will not have a Death Star, it does have many space-related projects, including the International Space Station.

"If you do pursue a career in a science, technology, engineering or math-related field, the Force will be with us!" he said.

"Remember, the Death Star's power to destroy a planet, or even a whole star system, is insignificant next to the power of the Force."


http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-1...-house/4462332