We killed off the Dodo by over-hunting.

What with more decence were in silence kept, And but for this unjust Reproach had slept?

You load sixteen tons what do you get— Another day older and deeper in debt. Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go; I owe my soul to the company store.

that first step is enough to make direct attacks rather tricky, to make most of the Earthican powers' armed forces useless.