Alcoholics Anonymous
Automobile Association
American Association of Adoption Attorneys
American Association for the Advancement of Science
James Blish's Dr. Corsi is:
"...presently head man of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (usually referred to in Washington as 'the left-wing Triple A-S')..."
-James Blish, They Shall Have Stars IN Blish, Cities In Flight (London, 1981), pp. 7-129 AT p. 9.
(When I first read that passage in the 1960s, I was blissfully unaware of the meaning of "left-wing.")
Poul Anderson's Yvonne Canter says that, of the scientists at Maury Station, some are certain to have met her at:
"'...Triple-A-S conventions or wherever.'"
-The Byworlder, IX, p. 101.
My point is only that it is good to see a respected scientific association perpetuate itself through different fictional futures.
Addendum, 18 September, 2018: There is currently an "Anti-Academies Alliance" in England.
6 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
I think the terms "left wing" and "right wing" goes back to the seating arrangements of the Constituent Assembly of the early French Revolution. The most radical or extreme deputies sat to the left of the presiding officer while their opponents sat to his right.
Sean
Sean,
Correct.
There were also three "Estates" - clergy, nobility and commoners. Maybe commoners sat on the left?
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
About right! The legislative body of the Monarchy, which unfortunately fell into disuse after 1614, was called the Estates General. It comprised three parts: the aristocracy, clergy (both bishops and ordinary priests), and commoners.
I have thought it would have been better for France and the world if the Estates General had remained active after 1614. A strong legislature would have been a check on the Crown and a means for enabling the gov't to adapt to changing times. We might have spared the horrors of the French Revolution and the military dictatorship of Napoleon.
Sean
Correction: "We might have BEEN spared the horrors of the French Revolution and the military dictatorship of Napoleon." Dratted typos!
Sean
Sean,
A history of gradual change and progress would have been good if it could have happened.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
Correct! Altho I don't think all of these possible changes would necessarily have been good.
Sean
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