The NASA/Colbert Kerfuffle

NASA posted a naming contest for Node 3 of the International Space Station. Television-based political humorist Stephen Colbert then pushed for viewers to stuff the ballot box in his favor—NASA having permitted write-in suggestions. At the conclusion of contest, NASA didn’t immediately embrace the landslide write-in vote, which has sparked a minor public relations battle between NASA and Camp Colbert.

Here’s the problem: while “Colbert” in and of itself isn’t any better or worse than any other name NASA listed, the way the vote was gotten is perceived as being both cynical and self-serving. Never mind that the fourth rule of the contest clearly states:

NASA will take into consideration the results of the voting. However, the results are not binding on NASA and NASA reserves the right to ultimately select a name in accordance with the best interests of the agency, its needs, and other considerations. Such name may not necessarily be one which is on the list of voted-on candidate names.

Of course that, too, is in its own way a bit cynical and self-serving.

For the most part, I don’t really care one way or another that the Node is called. My only problem with awarding the name to Colbert isn’t so much that the name isn’t “lofty”, but more because the method on which it was won echoes the very same mind-set that has staggered the economy not only in the U.S., but globally: if I break the spirit of the rules but technically stay within the letter of the rules then I get to win [otherwise breath-holding-until-turning-blue might be resorted to].

I don’t think Dancing With the Rules needs to be a reality show that we need to renew. On a more personal level, I’m a little tired of blow-hards of all ilks trying to usurp ethical behavior just so they can feel all tingly.

I will admit that I chuckled when NASA suggested naming a toilet in the Node for Colbert, but unless he’s willing to go along with the joke, it really is in poor taste (so to speak).

The time has come for Colbert to let NASA off the hook. He’s had his fun and gotten more than enough words in print and the blogosphere. Like other rule flouters, his game-playing has ruined it for others in the future who might have a legitimate reason for needing a write-in vote. Somehow, I don’t think NASA is likely to provide that option again.

Why don’t we simple compromise (as Americans are historically wont to do) and name the module “The NASA/Colbert Kerfuffle”…or just plain “Kerfuffle” for short?