[M1Tanker]

Ok, I am lost. I thought the President was moving for a very aggressive exploration and scientific agenda for NASA? That whole Moon to Mars thing. Or is this just some group who wants to attack the President even though he supports their outward goals.

[RightWhale]

NASA has done more than enough exploration and science to last for centuries. It is time to start using that quasi-valuable knowledge by establishing human outposts on the moon and Mars. Either that or repeal the Treaty so space development can begin.

[Arcy]

I'm not concerned at all with NASA's need of finances. They are a PRIVATE company that for years has received PUBLIC money. They have become so fat with public money over the years they have abandoned finance philosophies that govern private companies. They spend unaccountable millions and millions on experiments that will benefit no one.

Richard Branson (Virgin Air) launched two successive missions to space within 10 days of each. Thereby, demonstrating for all to see, the wastefulness and inefficiency of NASA. NASA can barely launch 2 mission within 6 months.

It's time to let REAL private companies lead the way to space and planetary exploration and let unaccountable slushes like NASA go the way of the dinosaur.

NASA will get no tears from me.

[agere_contra]

If the Chinese establish control of the Lunar water-ice deposits before the USA does then they will control access to the greater solar-system for centuries. The lunar ice has the strategic importance of Gibraltar and the Panama Canal rolled into one, as far as the future use-of-space goes.

[Cincinatus]

This effort by the Saganite Planetary Society has nothing whatsoever to do with science -- it's all about saving the academic community's entitlement.

The "Go-to-Mars-to-look-for-pond-scum" crowd is no longer setting the long-range strategic agenda for the agency -- and they resent it.

[Arcy]

Reason enough to end NASA.

[DManA]

That wonderful space station. What a boon(doggle) to science that is.

[Niteranger68]

Send Eileen Collins to Mars.....now!!!

[colorado tanker]

Bush has supported NASA and encouraged setting new, ambitious goals. Seems a pretty stupid idea to try to get more funding by attacking your supporter. Just look at this thread. There are plenty of people on both sides of the aisle who would like to shut NASA down.

[anymouse]

Liberal whine translated into English - send more pork to JPL, Ames, Goddard and university researchers because we don't want to go out and get real jobs.

[SeraphimApprentice]

This is an old story. This is sad. I have seen many
talented Scientists and engineers depart NASA. Was told
back in the early 90's: "The good news is we won the cold
war. The bad news is we won the cold war.". Have been
there since I was a teenager. Would wake up in the
morning eager to work in the labs. Working on cutting
edge Engineering and Science. I am amazed of how many
talented people have stayed. I am afraid that this is
just too late. NASA is famous for comming back from huge
mistakes. Mistakes like having compressed oxygen in the
Apollo 1 command module. The result, fire and three dead.
Science and exploration must go hand in hand. Exploration
without Science is simply tourism. This is my opinion,
not NASA's. Peace.