I love space exploration. It's expensive and it can be argued that the money should be spent elsewhere, such as on poverty alleviation. There is a case to be made for that, just as there is case to be made for channeling defense spending in a similar direction.

Having said that, journeys into the (relative) unknown are inspiring. They touch in many people a sense that humans can achieve things that go beyond the squabble of Earthside troubles and the interminable cycles of the human condition.

So to launch a spacecraft at a speeding comet and then successfully land a probe (never mind the current difficulties) is remarkable. The scientists and technicians involved in the Rosetta/Philae project should be lauded in a similar way that the astronauts were in the Apollo project in the late 1960's.

It is sad then, when one of the chief scientists involved in this unique mission, should be humiliated at a moment that should have been one of praise and thanks. Dr Taylor's choice of Hawaiian shirts may be eccentric, but the bile and misplaced criticism by many fellow scientists is shameful. These kind of PC explosions are not in the interests of harmony or equality, and only strengthen those who genuinely oppose such ideas. The poor man simply had no idea, so maybe one of his peers could have kindly and privately pointed out his wardrobe malfunction.

Confucius prescience on this matter seems apt.

"When a wise man points at the moon, the imbecile examines the finger."