[Scotsman]

N-Man, in the last half of the last century, about the only entities that had the wherewithall to reach the Moon, and even on to Mars, was government.

Of course, back then, most people lived in social isolation - the only news was on the radio, and as it grew, broadcast TV, and of course, newspapers.

Even telephone calls beyond a few tens of miles were considered long distance and were to be avoided except for truely important things like births and deaths and such like.

Now - or rather at some indefineable point in the future, maybe private enterprise can do a better job. I would prefer that to government, after the last fourty years.

Tagline dittos, too. :)

[Nowhere Man]

N-Man, in the last half of the last century, about the only entities that had the wherewithall to reach the Moon, and even on to Mars, was government.

True, I think it would have been very tough for a private entity back then to be able to "get it together" for such a feat. You would need the resources of the USA or USSR to tackle it.

Of course, back then, most people lived in social isolation - the only news was on the radio, and as it grew, broadcast TV, and of course, newspapers.

I remember back then, well the 1970's, most people got their news in the morning, sometimes at noon and the evening with the local news recap at bedtime. I remember watching the Moon landing on our 1959 black & white Philco. Come to think of it, there is an entire generation of adults that never, ever saw a man walk on the Moon live on TV.

Even telephone calls beyond a few tens of miles were considered long distance and were to be avoided except for truely important things like births and deaths and such like.

I know, because they cost a lot. I've always remembered "touch tone" phones, in fact, the Pittsburgh area was a test market for "touch tone" as early as 1959 or so. It started in Greensburg and Crafton, PA I think and went from there. I sometimes remember long distance calls when satellites became in use, there were times you can hear yourself in an echo.

Now - or rather at some indefineable point in the future, maybe private enterprise can do a better job. I would prefer that to government, after the last fourty years.

Agreed. I'd like to see some private venture to Mars that is beholden to no one, maybe we can clear up and get to the truth about things like the Face on Mars and so on.

Tagline dittos, too. :)

I like it. I'm in a role playing game group and the guy who runs the game I'm in came up with that one.