1. Burman's got some good points. But he called our degree of participation "meaningless". Different thing from "useless".

5-7. One of those experts was made up to resemble Einstein, and I now wonder if any other "celebrity scientist" resemblances were noticed by anyone in Whovian fandom.

Wondering if the scriptwriters ever saw Galaxy Express 999.

Yes, "useless" is not quite the same as "meaningless", but in this case I'll argue that my word is better than Burman's.

In terms of state goals, our participation is useless: it won't get us more respect in Washington, nor will it do anything to put an end to Islamic fundamentalism's power to do military damage in the Middle East, or political damage here in the west, where a couple of Youtube videos have fast-tracked any number of further repressive laws and policies designed to "protect us".

Our participations will have effects, but none of them will be what (I) or, I believe, that you, would like to see. Steven Harper on the other hand ...