[bolobaby]

I think it is short-sighted to not realize that mankind will one day extend its borders beyond earth.

The U.S. has a head start when it comes to space technology. Other countries are racing to catch up, though. It seems a shame to squander our lead on what will be - clearly - the most valuable commodity of the future.

[kcar]

"The U.S. has a head start when it comes to space technology"

Why does everyone think it's a nation-state race? That's part of the collective thinking hopefully the exponential increase in liveable space could rescue individualism from, like when people talk of an American economy versus a British one. That economy is driven by individuals from each that work creatively and productively for profits. Anyone who keeps score sees that private initiatives produce more results than top-down government administered bureaucracies, so why is it "different" with NASA?

Somehow I think Anderson's vision of private firms advancing spacefaring is more sensible than Bush's bold national vision. But he's been pretty visionary with my taxes for awhile now. When does the conservatism-part begin?

[Straight Vermonter]

I think it is short-sighted to not realize that mankind The USA will one day extend its borders beyond earth.

[Colorado Doug]

I think it is short-sighted to not realize that mankind will one day extend its borders beyond earth.

Vicente Fox is probably working on that.

[F16Fighter]

"The U.S. has a head start when it comes to space technology. Other countries are racing to catch up, though. It seems a shame to squander our lead on what will be - clearly - the most valuable commodity of the future."

IF we were in the least serious about taking advantage of our so-called "lead" in space, we would have had Neil Armstrong -- or at least -- Bugs Bunny, annex the entire moon "on behalf of the United States of America" and set up a lunar camp years ago.

Face it -- whatever overpaid-for "commodity" or stardust NASA discovers will be shared equally with the UN.