[DJ MacWoW]

Where do you think new technology comes from? Do you even know? And what's your problem with making the private sector do the work and take the risks? You simply don't understand what this is about. Government won't do the research OR pay for it. Instead they'll offer prizes to the private sector for coming up with answers.

Did you even READ this?

I countered by saying that while Mars Direct might cost $30 to $50 billion if implemented by NASA, if done by a private outfit spending its own money, the out-of-pocket cost would probably be in the $5 billion range.

Why don't you research what technology developed for NASA has helped society?

[piytar]

Not only that, but just about every modern thing that drives our economy today started or got a huge boost from two things: WWII and the Space Race.

There is a legit Constitutionality question, but this would be an economically and technologically stupid place to draw that line for the first time since FDR. After all, the money is already being spent far less efficiently by NASA. Want to strike unconstitutional spending? Let’s tackle the (not so) Great Society first. Or gut the muslim outreach program calling itself NASA completely except for this...

[JustSayNoToNannies]

Government won't do the research OR pay for it. Instead they'll offer prizes

The taxpayer-funded prizes are the problem.