The lack of a clear definition or even vague understanding of what constitutes “homeland security” has resulted in what can only be considered the total abdication by the Administration of their role in protecting not only our nation but the future of our entire planet.

The people have spoken.  This President has made the choice to ignore us. There will be no Death Star.

Over 30,000 citizens petitioned the White House for the following:

Secure resources and funding, and begin construction of a Death Star by 2016.

Those who sign here petition the United States government to secure funding and resources, and begin construction on a Death Star by 2016.

By focusing our defense resources into a space-superiority platform and weapon system such as a Death Star, the government can spur job creation in the fields of construction, engineering, space exploration, and more, and strengthen our national defense.

Paul Shawcross, Chief of the Science and Space Branch at the White House Office of Management and Budget, breaks the bad news in the official response:

This Isn’t the Petition Response You’re Looking For

The Administration shares your desire for job creation and a strong national defense, but a Death Star isn’t on the horizon. Here are a few reasons:

• The construction of the Death Star has been estimated to cost more than $850,000,000,000,000,000. We’re working hard to reduce the deficit, not expand it.
• The Administration does not support blowing up planets.
• Why would we spend countless taxpayer dollars on a Death Star with a fundamental flaw that can be exploited by a one-man starship?

Mr. Shawcross goes on to detail a number of space-related initiatives that are already underway or planned for the near future.

Though I can’t help but feel that this is a missed opportunity, perhaps the White House is better at risk analysis than many thought: