of going to the moon. Discussions regarding what's next for space exploration are truly amusing.
To listen to the likes of Buzz Aldrin say we will undertake going to the moon and onto Mars when it can be afforded.
Given the current environment....the spending of billions/trillions of dollars, not knowing where much of the money is or went. The benefit to mankind is a total unknown with no way of correlating anything. And it will yield what for the future?

Now compare the technology we have gained as a result of space exploration...which has an endless list from electronics to medical application that we all either use or enjoy the benefit thereof.

The United States will be overtaken by China, India and other countries whose leaders are astute enough to know the benefits and are applying effort and financing.

Another area where we will be a lessor player in the world. I guess Obama and the Congress do not see any personal benefit, hence there is no interest/priority.

I wonder where the rationale is when the so called budget for things like space, the military, energy independence, infrastructure, education, fire and police protection are budget limited and other things like bailing out failed companies and reforming health care have no boundaries/limits/budget.

Why is there no rounded out overall strategy where the United States should be 5, 10, 20 years from now? Because we have small, narrow, political ambitions VS our leaders of the past who had the foresight to make the country great....and a world leader.

Where are the heroes? Where is the pride? Unfortunately the current trend will force us to look at old videos like we have done this past week highlighting America's once heralded position/capability in space. Where is/are the expectations of greatness? Achievement?

Watching those staggering accomplishments, the leaders, the heroes of the day makes one sad when compared to the mockery of the current agendas.

It is a sad reminder form whence we have come (degenerated).

btk

I don't know, Billie. The last time I recall any President or administration having any sort of over-riding vision for the U.S. space program was when JFK said we'd go to the moon within ten years.

We did that, but since then every political administration has considered NASA little more than a line item in the federal budget. I don't think there's much of a difference with this administration--although I will observe that they have a few other things on their plate than where to send our astronauts.

Originally Posted by Villages Kahuna

I don't know, Billie. The last time I recall any President or administration having any sort of over-riding vision for the U.S. space program was when JFK said we'd go to the moon within ten years.

We did that, but since then every political administration has considered NASA little more than a line item in the federal budget. I don't think there's much of a difference with this administration--although I will observe that they have a few other things on their plate than where to send our astronauts.

At the time, the "Go to the Moon" was in retaliation to the USSR's Sputnik shot. Once the moon shots became passe internationally, and the USSR found it's space program too expensive to maintain, the American commitment to the NASA vision scaled down accordingly.

The President who inspired to go to the Moon also got America firmly into Indo-China and played brinksmanshi;p to the limit.
The President who led to War on Poverty expanded the war in Indo-China.
The President who was in office when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon had to resign in disgrace.

Bottom line - Presidents are only people caught up in circumstances. None are geniuses, demi-gods or royalty. All are politicians with a party leadership to answer to.

People forget that this is also the 40th anniversary of Chappaquiddick. The day Ted Kennedy doomed his presidential bid by driving his Oldsmobile off the bridge and into the water killing Mary Jo Kopechne. RIP

If one looks at the nature of our political system it is obvious that decisions and direction are not geared towards a 10, 20 or 30 year plan, but rather what can I do now to insure my reelection. It would be political suicide to cast a vote on an issue which will benefit all of us 20 years from now, but cause some degree of pain today.

What's altruism?

Buzz Aldrin is my hero!!!
How many people get clocked by a senior citizen?

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/int...ef=videosearch

Originally Posted by KayakerNC

Buzz Aldrin is my hero!!!
How many people get clocked by a senior citizen?

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/int...ef=videosearch

Have you seen Clint Eastward's newest movie, Gran Torino? Makes the geezers look good, too.