1 Martian 1: How's the asteroid plan going?
2 Martian 2: The most powerful Earthling government has begun dealing with it.
3 {scene change: Ishmael's college room}
3 [sound]: Knock! Knock!
4 Charity Collector Guy: Hi, I'm collecting to raise funds to deflect an imminent asteroid strike.

The Charity Collector Guy has not appeared since strip #1598. It's good to see he's still doing worthwhile work.

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2018-10-19 Rerun commentary: One day I'd like to see a government department run a Kickstarter to fund new roads or something.

...

Turns out someone else has thought of this idea. And thinks it may be inevitable. (Article from 2015.)

And just two years later.