Sounds familiar. Life was "rough, even risky", for those brave enough to venture forth into the unknown in past times. Columbus and his crew, the Pilgrims, those on the Lewis and Clark expedition, the first settlers of Jamestown, polar and undersea explorers, the first astronauts, et al., all faced a measure of risk and hardship. But they managed, and built something of lasting value. Future generations are forever indebted to those brave enough to risk all in the pursuit of something greater than themselves. Mankind, and Americans especially, have been of an adventurous and inquisitive mind.
Until recently. Now we seem to be more worried about saving fractions of a penny on tax dollars and short-term profit and what's-the-bottom-line greed-is-good what's-in-it-for-me-right-now-today to even consider the long-term benefits, especially those not immediately quantifiable in terms of the almighty dollar. Better to stay home and count the few pennies we think we've saved as they slip through our faltering and enfeebled fingers.