Replies

What is unconstitutional about the manned space program, newgeezer?

An often over-looked benefit of manned space flight is its purpose as fuel for development of the next generation of scientists. Thousands of intelligent people bust their ass getting PhD's and basically become model citizens in the hopes that one day they will be selected. A few do, and the rest become a decent portion of the top-notch people that make America the technology giant it is. Also, the argument of "What has it produced for us so far?" is historically a mistake. Mathematicians do completely useless stuff their whole lives, but nobody complains. You should know why, biblewonk: because years later completely useless expressions all of sudden describe exactly the algorithms used in microprocessors. Not that the manned space program has even been completely useless. The rocket technology developed during Apollo (specifically because we needed men on the moon) now protects us in the form of Tomahawk cruise missiles. In fact, the tragedy of Columbia overshadowed the great success they had on that mission in obtaining the first photographs of unknown upper-atmosphere electric discharges. Understanding and harnessing the power of the global electric circuit would make the program worth every penny in a single shot. When stupid liberals ask why we even think America is so great anyway, I just think "We put 12 men on &$%!& moon, that's why." The manned space program is the physical embodiment of the purpose of all education in every subject: explore and investigate what you don't know. Only good things can come out of it.

For some people walking on the moon is an exciting technological challenge. For others, like me, renewable energy is. Every piece of your rationale could just as easily be applied to the engineers who design windmills. If you did, I'd actually buy it.

The difference is that windmills are profitable and produce something. Walking on the moon is neither.

Your reflections on the space program were quite touching. But, especially with regard to continuation of the manned program, how is it Constitutional?

The powers of the Federal government are clearly defined (common defense, general welfare, regulate commerce, etc.). I find nothing to justify any spending on manned space exploration, especially now that we've all but perfected the art of remote control. And, Mars?! I say let the armchair Captain Kirks fund their own #@^% hobby, like (most of) the rest of us.