Posted on 02/17/2010 10:11:36 PM PST by Names Ash Housewares
Ed Buckbee, journalist and former director of the Alabama Space and Rocket Center, has sent the following letter, bearing the signatures of astronauts Scott Carpenter, Gene Cernan, and Charlie Duke, representing the historic Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs.
Letter below.
(Excerpt) Read more at web.me.com ...
Dear Mr. & Mrs. America:
There has never been, and likely never will be, another government program that expedites technological innovation so much as the U.S. space program. There is not another program that has so successfully rallied a nation, inspired youngsters toward academic achievement or established the U.S. as the world leader in technology.
The manned space program has, in particular, been a source of our nation’s strength and character. But an Achilles heel in the form of our country’s executive branch threatens a mortal wound. Under the Obama 2011 budget, the U.S. will no longer ferry humans into space— no moon, no Mars. The source of much of America’s inspiration and spirit, the impetus for so much discovery, technology and imagination, is in jeopardy. The demise of America’s space program is just another step in the dismantling of our nation.
Where's the vision put so eloquently in 1962 when President Kennedy said," serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills." President Kennedy delivered a vision to the American public that demanded courage, imagination and follow-through. The long-term focus has always been to progressively conquer new frontiers. Certainly, that focus has been shared by both government and private enterprise but to withdraw government from manned space flight will surely obliterate those far-reaching frontiers and precipitously lower our nation’s preeminence in technology.
We are the only country to ever conquer the high ground, the moon. And now we are to give that up to the Russians and Chinese who are committed to having a permanent presence there? The national security implications are starkly real. From the high ground, foreign governments will have greater access to monitor U.S. technology assets in Earth orbit. Whoever controls the high ground becomes the world’s leader in technology.
We ask you to join those members of Congress who have the fortitude and courage to embrace the vision that has become part of our nation’s signature and who are advocates of returning to the moon and maintaining America’s leadership role in the exploration of space.
Respectfully,
Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Astronauts
Scott Carpenter
Gene Cernan
Charlie Duke
The Real Space Cowboys
Creator Ed Buckbee
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They are just out for themsilves and their own pork barrel spending.
I’ve met all three gentlemen and they have more guts and integrity than the whole Obama Administration. This is a case of true heroes talking to true fools and cowards.
“They are just out for themsilves and their own pork barrel spending.”
I hope that is sarcasm.
These guys are retired and most of their lives are behind them. They are some of the best this nation has ever produced.
If you want to destroy a country, destroy its dreams.
Obama has to save that stimulus money (2/3rds of it not spent) for election year payola for ACORN. Can’t afford minor things like NASA or our nation’s technological standing in the world.
African-Americans have a long-standing hostility to NASA — “wasting money going to the moon instead of feeding the people here.” Not surprising this shift in policy. Also hurts Texas which is a Republican state.
Obama is a petty little man.
He lacks greatness in any way, shape or form.
He lacks goodness in any way, shape or form.
He lacks character and integrity in any way, shape or form.
He lacks everything American in any way, shape or form.
What a bust!
Charm wit and levity
will win you in the start
but in the end it’s brevity
that keeps the public’s heart.
that is what obama aims to do. amazing that 50%of voters during the election believed in this hope and change thing
Buzz Aldrin on the list?
What was the point of any human exploration in all of our history?
Buzz is buzzed on Obama-ade on this sadly.
No, get it right.
8~)
Well, expect Buzz to get an invite to the WH/
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