[GeronL]

I doubt the planning of that would even start in 4 years. Heck, they haven't even studied the idea enough and won't over the next 4.

[Gondring]

Actually, a rather reasonable draft plan has been compiled, and though this plan wouldn't be the final form, a real effort toward an elevator could initiated at any time. (See, for example, the July 2004 cover article of that leftie science rag Discover.) Of course, the actual elevator wouldn't be completed in 4 years.