The Space Cadets!

So, a bunch of not obviously closely connected space and youth
related stories passed by my attention recently, and were sort
of half acknowledged, but somehow out of this an idea seems to
have burbled to the surface of my brain, apparently as an answer
to several half formed concerns. The idea, of course, is

The Space Cadets! (TM);

I definitely think the exclamation mark should be part of the logo.

The idea is basically, "why not let's" establish a youth organization
vaguely reminiscent of the international scout movement, but targeted
at fostering youthful enthusiasm for a spacefaring future. Chief
focus would be on promoting the notion of a human future in space,
replacing fantasy with facts about the nature of space and spaceflight,
providing training in skills useful for those who might find themselves
in space based careers, and generally providing a concrete meeting
place for the youth wing of the international space movement to grow
in. I would suggest that the organization not take any particular position
on any contentious issues regarding spaceflight, but rather as much as
possible embrace all aspects, and all approaches - even those which
maintain remote probes are the way to go. No harm in learning some
robotics. Its appeal should be as broad as possible; co-ed, of course.

It could be a magnet for the unfocussed enthusiasms of young people
looking for a version of the future to embrace. Like all my stray
ideas, this is a combination of absurd whimsy and deadly seriousness.
I think with the right note of selfconscious irony over the name and
its pop culture history, it could become the new hip thing. Playful
self deprecating reference to a century's worth of space cadet corps
iconatry - Buck Rogers whizzbangs, zap guns, fin-saturated space
cruisers, even those snappy uniforms with the puffy shoulder flashes -
could become ironically hip in the trademark merchandising market,
and provide a source of funding.

If this idea appeals at all to anyone, feel free to run with it.
If not, oh well, whatever.

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vincent@triumf[munge].ca Pete Vincent
Disclaimer: all I know I learned from reading Usenet.
.