we are a nation of explorers. We would not even be here if it were not so. Boondoogle NOT. We have always looked to the horizon. We owe it to those before us who took those risks and payed the price. We are obligated to those yet unborn to do our share. America MUST lead. Never follow. Always stretching out and taking those risks. Its what we are. So dont give me that boodoggle garbage. We are Americans. Those are OUR flags on the Moon. And we are going back before anyone else.
Read Heinlein's "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress" and then come back here and tell me with a straight face that we can afford NOT to dominate the moon.
Exploration drives technology.
....you forgot Teflon.