[Dylan16807]

We're capable of thought, and bacteria aren't. That's a pretty sharp divider. I'd be grumpy if scientists were going to wipe out a planet of earth-plants, but it would be a travesty if they wiped out the planet of moose.

[grecy]

You're still not getting it.

> We're capable of thought, and bacteria aren't.

When the bad-ass aliens come along they'll say "We're capable of faster than light travel, humans aren't."

Think about this from the outside perspective for a second.

[pavel_lishin]

1. Our decisions will not impact the decisions of aliens

2. I don't see any reason why eradicating non-sentient bacteria is immoral. Outside perspective doesn't matter on this point; see 1.