Cards Against Humanity Sues SpaceX: Invasion of the Property Snatchers
In a cosmic clash, Cards Against Humanity is suing SpaceX for $15 million, claiming the space-bound company treated their crowdfunded property like it was a spare launch pad—while ignoring 'No Trespassing' signs as thoroughly as they avoid environmental regulations.
The lawsuit asserts that SpaceX has transformed the land, purchased in a crowdfunding campaign aimed at thwarting border wall construction, into a chaotic construction zone filled with vehicles and gravel, all while displaying the same regard for signposts as they do for regulatory red tape. If they win, Cards Against Humanity plans to distribute any earnings back to the 150,000 original donors, offering a glimmer of hope that their investment will turn into more than just a punchline in an outrageous game.
There’s something poetic about crowdfunding a property to prevent a border wall and then finding that property allegedly being used as a staging area for construction and parking vehicles. Since its purchase in 2017, the land, which previously served as a mere blank canvas of American soil, has become increasingly crowded, transforming into a venue for SpaceX’s expansionist ambitions. Cards Against Humanity alleges that SpaceX has disrespected a 'No Trespassing' sign on their property.
According to the lawsuit, the $15 million accusation isn't just a knee-jerk reaction; it's backed with solid evidence. Cards Against Humanity has provided before and after photos that visually document the land’s metamorphosis from pristine protest property to a bustling hub of construction activity. The images tell a compelling story—one highlights serene views of the arid landscape, while the other resembles a scene following a demolition derby, although in this case, it’s not so much demolition as it is unpermitted construction.
Adding to the tone of incredulity, the suit points out that SpaceX allegedly made a rather ungracious attempt at acquiring the land. Reports suggest that the company pitched a 'lowball offer' that was less than half the land's worth and required a swift decision to boot—imagine being told to decide whether to give up a small piece of land before your morning coffee even kicks in. In a world where fast food is delivered overnight, one could almost laud SpaceX for a new rapid-fire negotiation tactic, albeit one that skews towards the disingenuous.
Not only are SpaceX's property dealings under scrutiny, but the company's penchant for ignoring environmental regulations has come into play as well. They've found themselves in hot water for allegedly releasing pollutants into nearby water bodies in Texas—a charming detail that underscores a concerning pattern of neglect for local ecosystems. While their rockets are designed to explore the final frontier of space, it seems their attention wanders far from safeguarding the immediate environment. After all, saving the planet and polluting it simultaneously might be a miscalculated balancing act, even for a company aspiring to colonize Mars.
Perhaps the most galling part of this whole ordeal is Cards Against Humanity’s stated intention to share any lawsuit winnings with the original crowdfunding donors, up to $100 each. This could not only provide some modest recompense to those who believed in the concept of preserving their land but also serves as a rather amusing twist in the ongoing saga of charity and capitalism. Who would have thought a coalition of card game enthusiasts would consider taking on a giant like SpaceX—armed, of course, only with photos and their political resolve?
As we await the court’s ruling, it's amusing to consider the unlikely scenario of a card game night where over 150,000 people gather over their respective winnings. They might very well pull cards bearing phrases like 'This could have been avoided if only SpaceX had championed better manners' or 'Would rather sit on a gravel bed than abide by a simple sign.' Whatever the outcome may be, it's a stark reminder that sometimes the paths taken in earnest protest can ignite an entirely different kind of battle.
Ultimately, while this could be a clash between card game creators and the galaxy’s leading launch provider, it also brings into question a larger conversation about property rights, environmental ethics, and yes, the audacity of those who dare underestimate the might of a passionate crowdfunding base. Perhaps SpaceX will find it in their best interest to tread more lightly on the green spaces belonging to their fellow Earthlings, at least until they can find a way to launch their rockets into space without leaving such an ungainly trail on planet Earth.