I read this statement in the October, 2006 issue of the Smithsonian magazine: "Never mind the demotion of Pluto to a dwarf planet. Astronomers have found about 200 planets orbiting other stars, and they say it's only a matter of time before they discover another Earth."

Another Earth? Are we sure we actually want to find another Earth? If all we're looking for is an object that is neither too far from nor too close to a star, like our sun, what's the point? Although, I am sure an enthusiastic astronomer would attempt to convince us of the importance of finding such an object.

Incidentally, isn't it interesting that the object we're on, Earth, "just happens" to be neither too far from nor too close to its sun?

Another Earth? Are we sure we actually want to find another one if we are looking for more than just another object that is neither too far from nor too close to a star?

I'm reminded of a song sung by Hank Williams Jr. It goes like this I think, "Reagan is cuttin' the budget, makin' the Democrats scream. Says we gotta control inflation, quit spending our money on everything. But this year's tax increase, why it's the biggest in history (this was obviously written in the 80s). 'Round and 'round we go, where we stop, who knows? We're goin' crazy dreamin' the American Dream."

Crazy is how it feels sometimes. Politicians twist what little truth they actually find to suit themselves. Religious people feud and fight in the name of "God." Tribes and nations threaten and attempt to manipulate each other. Sure! We need to find another Earth.

Another Earth? Are we sure we want to find another one? Well, yes. Regardless of the chaos on this one, there is a remarkable calm observed in the grace of even a few good people. That kind of grace illumines darkness and makes us better.

If we find another Earth, let's hope we'll find a few more gracious people.

Jack Rollins is managing editor of the Daily Dunklin Democrat.