⚓ Welcome to Tidal Echoes
Series: “Youth Speaks Its Mind” (A republication of our hometown newspaper, The Suffolk County News, from 65 years ago)
Our history isn't just a timeline; it's a series of waves that shape who we are today. In this series, we revisit the bold voices of Sayville’s past. Today, we listen to Cheryl Zeller as she argues for American leadership in the Space Race during the autumn of 1961.
Originally published in The Suffolk County News on October 26th, 1961. Transcribed for the Sayville Alumni Association.
The Race for Space
By Cheryl Zeller, Sayville High School
Anything worth acquiring involves some sort of risk. If it were not for Columbus and other men of great courage, we might not be here today. The same goes for the space race.
If we Americans just sit back and watch Russia shoot for the moon we will be lost in the race. If Russia reaches the moon first, you can be sure that she will do everything possible to keep the United States off this essential stepping stone to outer space. We do not know what lies beyond our atmosphere. The only way to find out the truth is to get there first.
At the moment we are lagging in the race, but we are fast catching up. If American people support our country there is a good chance that we can reach the moon first. Of course, there will be those who object to the many costs of the space program, just as there were those who laughed at Columbus and refused to help him financially. One objection will be that we should wipe out poverty before spending money on the space program.
Do you really think that money is the important thing in this issue? Just remember the politicians of Rome who gave out free food to the peasants, thus destroying their initiative. This helped to bring about the fall of the Roman Empire. The same could happen if we gave handouts to those Americans who are too indolent to go out and earn their own living. Anyway, the expanding space industry will provide new jobs for more people.
Reaching the moon has always been our dream. Is it fair to you and to your children to let Russia steal this wonderful vision? After all, everything good and worthwhile was at one time just a dream.
In a speech before a joint session of Congress, your President said, “Now it is time to take longer strides—time for a great new American enterprise—time for this nation to take a clearly leading role in space achievement.” It is my opinion that we should stand behind our President all the way in the race for space.
⚓ Cast Your Thoughts
How do these words from 1961 land today? Reflecting on Cheryl Zeller's insights:
- cheryl quotes president kennedy's "longer strides" speech—do you remember the sense of urgency the space race created in sayville classrooms?
- she compares the space race to columbus's voyage—was this a common way to think about the "final frontier" back in the early 60s?
- her debate about spending on space vs. domestic poverty is still relevant today—how have your views on this balance shifted since 1961?
