Former Astronaut Neil Armstrong Endorses Bush Space Exploration Plan

AP via TBO ^ | March 12, 2004 | The Associated Press

[John W]

HOUSTON (AP) - Former astronaut Neil Armstrong says Americans should support President Bush's plan for renewed missions to the moon and beyond. Armstrong said the plan is economically sustainable and that the country must accept the risks associated with space exploration in order to reap technological rewards.

"Our president has introduced a new initiative with renewed emphasis on the exploration of our solar system and expansion of human frontiers," Armstrong told a crowd of nearly 600 people Thursday. "This proposal has substantial merit and promise."

He was in Houston to receive the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement.

Armstrong, 73, commanded NASA's Apollo 11 mission in 1969, becoming the first person to walk on the moon. In 1971, he left the space program to pursue a teaching career in aeronautical engineering in his native Ohio.

Armstrong said the success of the Bush's space plan depends on whether the government, aerospace industry, researchers and others can unite behind it.

The Bush White House wants to return to the moon and eventually send astronauts there by 2020, and to Mars - an effort that would cost hundreds of billions of dollars. Some lawmakers have questioned proposed costs and risks.

"Our economy can certainly afford an effort of this magnitude, but the public must believe the benefits to society deserve the investment," Armstrong said in Friday's edition of the Houston Chronicle. "To limit the program in the name of eliminating the risk is no virtue."

President Bush has proposed that the space shuttle stop flying in 2010 and that the remaining shuttle flights concentrate on completion of the International Space Station and research.

[LibWhacker]

Holy cow, I thought he died years ago! Sure keeps a low profile, that's for sure. Well, good for him! I'm glad he's on "our" side (and I'm especially glad he's still alive!).

[Pyro7480]

HA HA HA! Mr. Armstrong doesn't normally make statements, but he must have seen John Glenn's statements and had to say something.

[smith288]

But John Glenn said....bah

Neil walked on the moon, Glenn floated around in a popcan...ill take experience in the field of moon walking over John Glenn anyday.

[onedoug]

"...Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven."

[adam_az]

Neil Armstrong

[miloklancy]

This is a wonderful endorsement from a true American hero, who generally does keep a low profile. Very good for Bush.

[TexasRepublic]

They were both genuine heroes in their day, believe me. Neither had assurances he was coming back. Glenn's politics are another matter.

[smith288]

Never said Glenn wasnt a hero back then...but Neil has exptertise in the area based on his physical experience on the moon. John Glenn reduces his hero status everytime he stumps for Clinton, Kerry or any other socialist...

[Young Werther]

Thank God!

With Glenn supporting J F'n Kerry we'd be luck if we didn't return to the era of biplanes and Model Ts!

There hasn't been a Demoncrap since the "real" JFK that has shown the cojones needed to move us out into space!

[chimera]

Holy cow, I thought he died years ago! Sure keeps a low profile, that's for sure. Well, good for him! I'm glad he's on "our" side (and I'm especially glad he's still alive!).

He lives on a farm down the road from me about 40 miles. This was a few years ago, maybe things have changed with security and all, but at one time if you know where it is, you can drive up the road leading to his place. He'll say hello to you and shake your hand if he's puttering about. A very modest fellow.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

Sen. JOHN GLENN ran interference for the CLINTONS during TV Senate Committee Hearings on their illegal ChinaGate China Army Money Receipts during the 1990's.

GOD Speed JOHN GLENN ..Communist China's real 1st Man in Space...

...who is now running interference again on TV for Communist China as they will make it to the Moon and Mars before of us if we just sit on our hands like JOHN GLENN wants us to.


The Enemy is now Within...
and always has been.


NEIL ARMSTRONG =

America's real All-American Space Hero

.

[nkycincinnatikid]

Neil Armstrong sat on the board of Cincinnati Milacron for decades, don't know if he still does as the company has almost shriveled up in recent years. I was involved in several projacts renovating that companies fine old board room, which unfortunately is no more. It always pleased me to settle back in the comfortable chair belonging to the man who first set foot on the moon.

[OldFriend]

Thank you, sir! You truly have the right stuff!

[OldFriend]

Glenn made a statement only recently that he was AGAINST further space exploration.

Guess he felt the money would be better spent on other government 'program's.

[af_vet_rr]

He keeps a very low profile, so I'm surprised as well.

Now Buzz Aldrin on the other hand, he'll talk your ear off, and if needby, talk with his hands as well (as some young punk who was harassing him found out).

[chimera]

Neil Armstrong sat on the board of Cincinnati Milacron for decades, don't know if he still does as the company has almost shriveled up in recent years.

I remember seeing his picture in their Annual Report. Pretty cool that he was there. He was at U.C. for awhile in the aerospace engineering dept., but I think ran afoul of university politics when it cam time to grant tenure (no Ph.D. in a university is like not having a union card in a closed shop).

Don't remind me about Milacron. God, I've lost my shirt on that stock over the years...:-(

[chimera]

Now Buzz Aldrin on the other hand, he'll talk your ear off, and if needby, talk with his hands as well (as some young punk who was harassing him found out).

Yeah, Buzz is pretty cool that way. He doesn't take crap from anybody, especially some tinfoil-hat conspiracy-blinkered wacko who was trying to tell him what he did never really happened.

Then again, Buzz is a Jersey boy, so you know he's tough...:-)

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Some neat, heartwarming personal stories about Neil Armstrong found here.

[Finalapproach29er]

Glenn lost all my respect when he totally covered up for Clinton during multiple hearings.