More History in the Making

[Tom]

If Military Supremacy were the only goal, we could obtain that forthwith without much Space exploration.  But, Space Exploration provides us with a lot of things that war doesn't.  One of them is the ability to avoid war, as long as we are dealing with non-radical minds around the world.  It's the radicals, the bent minds, that are unforeseen and no one can predict.  That is the reason for the strong military.   

Staying ahead in technology and adventure keeps us strong in war and peace.

[Toolman]

Toolman, I understand the sentiment. I get riled up about the money being spent too.  But I have to stop a minute and do some comparisons and get things prioritized in my mind a bit to get straightened back out.

I know that NASA and the Space Program is a lot of money, relative to the individual's budget.  But, it is a drop in the bucket when compared with the myriad of useless things, pork and spending-in-other-countries that we do.  What I like about the space program is that it generates jobs. You think that Michigan is a low spot because of Detroit's closings?  Imagine Cocoa, Fl., Houston, Tx., and Moffet Field in California without it.  The NASA site (google NASA) gives a map of NASA installations across the country (LINK), each providing hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs and supporting communities as well as just the families.

Along with this infrastructure are the side benefits of discovery and invention that have caused us, and the entire world, to experience new horizons, both financially and medically.

Of course there is also the pride.  It makes me feel mighty special to have been a part of the USA during these beginning years of Space Exploration.  It sets us apart from the Somalias and Nigerias and even made us Stars in the eyes of the developed nations.

When I look at what we have gained and think of what we might gain in the future, it's hard for me to lump our efforts in space into the same boiling pot that we throw the grants for the sexual behavior of a nondescript insect in Africa. 

A google of Government Grants, or Useless Government Grants won't uncover the Nations whole financial problem, but it certainly will enlighten as to the mind-set of both the Government and many citizens who spend their every awakened hour trying to get their hands on Free Government Money, or providing more of it to be taken.

In our ire, we must try not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. 

I agree with you Tom. I'm not against space exploration. I'm proud of our accomplishments in that field. I just can't feel real excited right now about spending that kind of money right now. I'm all for cutting everything and eliminating everything you've mentioned. Believe me, I'm with you on that. I'm kinda comparing our situation to that of putting a new roof, a new patio, a new hot tub and fancy new windows in a home that has a weak foundation with crumbling basement walls and main floor joists that are days away from collapsing. All of those improvements and fancy additions will fall into ruins when the foundation of that home finally caves in and collapses. All of those additions may have been important, but they are now worthless and in ruins because effort was'nt first put into repairing the foundation. Now you nothing, and it will now cost much more to start over again. Am I making any sense? I'll drop this issue now.    good day

[florida]

Heard the double sonic boom as it came over the other day on its way to land. Fairly quiet one this time, sometimes it'll knock you out of your chair it's so loud. I'm going to miss that.

[Warbird]

Of note:

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/03/22/orion-moon-craft-unveiled-new-spaceflight-facility/

[Tom]

Just a thought, but if Governments back out of space exploration and leave it to the wiles of private companies, who will own Mars?  I'd like to think it would be the first red-neck to arrive with a shotgun. 

[Bandmill Bandit]

Just a thought, but if Governments back out of space exploration and leave it to the wiles of private companies, who will own Mars?  I'd like to think it would be the first red-neck to arrive with a shotgun. 

Or would that be a RAY gun??