Please tell me this is an Onion piece

Apparently, tens of thousands have signed a petition to have America build a Death Star in space.  And what's more, apparently the White House has responded.  Really.  I'm still hoping that this is a put on.  I'm really, really hoping.  If this is true, then it goes a long way toward explaining the biggest obstacles our children are presented with in trying to become mature, productive citizens in a radically changing world: namely, the adults.