[JoeFromSidney]

I'm agnostic about life elsewhere in the universe. Maybe, maybe not. That hasn't stopped me from writing several science fiction stories involving aliens. They make good plot material.

Having said that, I have to ask, how is the "search for life" part of NASA's mission? Where does the Constitution give the government that power?

I'm all for research, and have supported the SETI project. However, that's privately funded. I see no justification for spending tax money on it.

I'm reminded of a Soviet-era joke. A listener writes in to a Russian radio station: "What is scientific research?" The station replies, "So far as we can determine, scientific research is the satisfaction of private curiosity at public expense." Those who are curious about life elsewhere can use their own dime to pay for the search.

[morphing libertarian]

Wen the soviets put Sputnik into space communication satellites
And rocket tech were national defense items

Still are to a lesser degree

[dfwgator]

I'm agnostic about life elsewhere in the universe.

I'm a flat out atheist.