It would let me protect the Earth from asteroids. In fact, for a small fee I would protect the Earth on a monthly basis, locating rocks that could be steered into the Earth and then not doing it if the cheque didn't bounce.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker jokes about offering asteroid protection for a fee, but would only act if the payment succeeded, otherwise they'd ignore the threat.
- In plain terms
- He'd protect Earth from asteroids only if the client paid.
- What can you take from it?
- Financial incentives can dictate the provision of safety services.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Should safety be tied to payment?
- What are the ethics of conditional protection?
Another view
The scenario is satirical and not a serious policy proposal.
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