Ever since Einstein the enigma of the atom has intrigued researchers. But in their enthusiasm to unravel its mysteries, much tragedy has been dumped on the human race, due to an ignorance of the laws of matter and of the universe.

With the proposal to build an expensive six billion dollar superconducting supercollider comes the question of justification. The patent answer is a vague one. “We will gain an understanding of the true nature of the universe.” Somehow I think this is a blatant cop-out. It seems that science is trying to usurp the domain of religionists and philosophers. What the scientific community is offering is not a “tangible product,” but a playground for their egos.

The whole business of funding seems morally unethical in the face of the harsh realities of economic problems in this country. We can’t even afford to fund the Chicago educational system but “elitist” projects for the chosen few are all right.

In the long run the proposed SSC will be just another expensive “toy” for the government. The project will not be a wholesome addition to the national debt. Nuclear research is basically unstable—it creates unstable systems. It disrupts the magnetic field. Rather than throwing more money away on already overly-inflated “self-important egos,” why can’t government fund a better educational system and take care of the homeless?

Marissa Weisman