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Science fiction has always been a good modem for social commentary and no one did it better than Gene Roddenberry and Star Trek. Hardly an episode passed when Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, Scotty, and the rest of the crew did not encounter some dilemma that could not be related to our everyday lives and the events going on around us.

Whether we realized it or not Roddenberry taught us on a weekly basis about equality and race relations. We learned about civil rights and humanitarian issues. Roddenberry even taught us about excess and obsession.

Star Trek fans already knew what it took governments around the world over 30 years to learn that in order for space travel and exploration to be a success that these same governments must first learn to get along with each other and join in a spirit of co-operation if we wished to see the stars for ourselves.

While science still has more than its share of skeptics, Star Trek fans know that we are not alone in this universe. Many years later award winning astrophysicist Dr. Carl Sagan would re-iterate that same sentiment when he created SETI.

Thanks to Star Trek a whole new generation of science enthusiasts and space nuts were born. Without knowing it Gene Roddenberry sparked a renewed interest in the world of science.

Unfortunately the original series itself only lasted three seasons, but over 40 years later Star Trek still has a loyal following growing every day with each generation. Gene Roddenberry along with Star Trek stars James Doohan and DeForest Kelly are no longer with us on this earth, but they will forever be among the Star Trek community reminding us that anything is possible; if only in our imagination.

Learn more about this author, Sherrill Fulghum.
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