Man it's time to whiz or get off the pot.
As China gains ecnomic power, they are going to be a very difficult proposition for us to keep up with.
The tax revenues for 1.6 billion will definately eclipse the tax revenues for 300 million.
They will be a major powerhouse, and we're planning our space efforts for for 2020 or 2050. We're sleep-walking...
By then China will be able to welcome us to the Moon and Mars.
We think in terms of comfort for these flights. They think in terms of tin-can and bragging rights.
Think they won't do their damndest to have a moon base by 2020? I'll bet they do.
The American Congress will rise to the challenge when they feel challenged. They will print all the paper money necessary to reassert American preeminence in space or wherever.