[CasearianDaoist]

The last thing we need out of this is for it to be "international." that has been the problem with the ISS. It will be a tipping poijt for America if we could just go ahead with it on our own.

[Mr. Silverback]

Agree. Even if it means a less ambitious program in the short term, we should go it alone, perhaps with a couple of other partners who provide personnel, like the relationship we have with Israel and Japan now. No more depending on other nations for launch systems and support.

And let's go back to the Moon, dangit!

[Spktyr]

Perhaps with just a couple of partners. Japan and Israel come to mind.

We need to get out there and establish our culture first so that others will be at a disadvantage by having to adapt to *us*, not the other way around.

In addition, I happen to think that American culture is superior to all others on the planet (sorry, foreign FReepers) and is worth preserving. If we can get well established out there, we can ensure the survival of the human race as well as our values and culture.

[sonofatpatcher2]

The problem is the ISS!

Had we kept going back to the Moon at the same rate as Apollo, we'd have a colony there and probably one of Mars also.

Instead, we have a shuttle program that is about to be needlessly tossed away (That is another soapbox chant of mine!) and a space station that does little but soak up funds better spent on manned missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.

BTW Where are the flying cars we were promised?