If done right, just the effort alone (like the 60’s moon race) will provide technological spin-offs that will affect every area of our lives plus, propel the US technologically beyond the envelope.
Earth-based space stations provide a lot of knowledge but if it is not used as a “jumping off point”, then what is it's purpose? We need to push forward, not remain in one place.
We are stagnant and that equals, slow death.
We’ve got a bastard Kenyan with a third world education for a president. Oh sure he attended (or not) some of our best schools, but his flawed foundation is what he operates from. It’s his third world bias that simmers at his core.
There is no vision for our increase or betterment. There is only the focus on reigning the U. S. in, reducing it’s perceived negative impact on humanity. In this, Obama is essentially a U. S. vasectomy.
It may seem strange to address that here, but as other nations expand and reach out, ours contracts and plays the introvert.
We are neutered as a nation.
We need a healer, not a destroyer.
God help us if this fraud serves three more years.
As you said, we disagree. The "spin-offs" were not cost effective. You have an invalid assumption that you're basing your argument on - namely that the technology would not have been developed had the space program not provided a great deal of cash. You should read Bastiat's that which is seen and that which is not seen It explains it far better that I could in a brief post.
but if it is not used as a “jumping off point”, then what is it's purpose?
Jumping off point to where? Seriously. There isn't any other place in the solar system that we can live, and interstellar travel is science fiction.
Why does every space effort have to equal “entire country”? Why can’t a private firm launch something? From mid ocean if necessary, should no country grant it flight privileges?