[KevinDavis]

Space Ping! This is the space ping list! Let me know if you want on or off this list!

[The Great RJ]

It seems insane that a nation that can't even give the majority of its people flush toilets and drinkable water will spend billions on going into space. Ditto for countries like India and Pakistan for doing the same with their nuclear weapons development.

While some offered the same arguement here in the 1960's about the US space program, I seem to recall that the US standard of living in those days for most peole was far better than enjoyed by the average Chinese today.

[irv]

Space travel is a symbol of modernity at its best.

Space travel isn't a "symbol." It's a concrete step toward a technological, economic and cultural renaissance. Too many writers have treated it as a "symbol," a play for "national pride" rather than the very important work it is.

Sorry, but I get really tired of that.

[irv]

Thus, the Chinese achievement reminds us of three decades of lost opportunities.

Exactly on point.