Short-sighted, too. They have no idea what a tax revenue windfall they could realize for the Shining City on the Potomac if they could just let their people go into space on development and commerce. 40 acres and a mule. Whatever.
New industry opportunities like this don't come along all that often. The internet was one. Space could be another. Whatever it takes to unlock access, when it is gained, the business opportunities that will result will certainly fill the coffers in D.C. I agree with you.
They have no idea what a tax revenue windfall they could realize for the Shining City on the Potomac if they could just let their people go into space on development and commerce.
Screw that, lie to them and when the capability is exploited and the colonists and industries established, declare independence on the original model with some minor changes to the BOR to make it idiot and criminal proof (i.e. "construing the 2nd to mean anything other than an individual right" gets you jettisoned out an airlock or thrown into the organics vats. Same for proposing an income tax, central bank, etc...)