Replies

We could be wiped out by some disaster. Space colonization is an insurance policy against that, as well as a fulfillment of the destiny of human life. It is a step of evolution as great as when life first left the sea,

Reorganized a little:
1. We could be wiped out by some disaster. Space colonization is an insurance policy against that,
2. as well as a fulfillment of the destiny of human life.
3. It is a step of evolution as great as when life first left the sea,
----------------------
1. It doesn't matter and it wouldn't be the first time, but space colonization wouldn't make much difference
2. Destiny needs to be a little grander than having a colony on Mars.
3. Actual evolution would require a higher resonant point, which isn't present in mere additional planets.

I don't understand your points. A Mars or moon colony is just the first baby steps. Eventually we'll be sending frozen ova or just genetic codes to other stars. That's a big insurance policy. As for resonance, I don't get it. Life leaving the Earth for the first time is a very big deal. It's never happened before. Now's the time. Human brain power makes it possible. There's no such thing as an unused capability, and this is no exception. It'll happen, and soon. The only question is whether the USA will continue to lead, or join in at all. A lot of people don't give a damn. They'd rather have their prescription drugs paid for than watch a grand endeavor like space flight. There's nothing more heroic or noble, and nothing more worthwhile

I've tried to explain this before, to no avail. Maybe I'm not eloquent enough, or maybe you just can't see past the end of your nose, but if your interested in space science, how can you not be interested in space travel? One must always follow the other. Otherwise, as you say, it won't make much difference.

If America won't participate then we've lost that forward drive that's always been the hallmark of our nation. Regrettably, that seems to be a real possibility.