[discostu]

That kind of brings up something I think about from time to time. I think one of the big things missing from the American psyche right now is a grand project. For most of the 20th century (actually starting in the 19th, ending with the moon landing) America did all these really cool things really for no reason other than we could. We built huge bridges and tall buildings and carved our presidents' faces in a mountain all because we were America dammit. And if there's one thing missing from the modern era of this country it's that idea that we're America dammit. Then come the chicken and egg discussion: did we embark on these great projects because of national pride, or did we get that national pride because of these great projects? I think the only way to answer that question is to develop a great project, but what? If you could hammer through the appropriations and permits to build any grand structure, intending it to be the autograph of this generation on America ala the Golden Gate Bridge or Empire State Building or getting a man on the moon, what would it be?

[RightWhale]

You know I would build a permanently manned base on the moon and begin mining asteroids. However, we are entering an era of war and that will consume all our energy for many years. As soon as the war is over, and Americans begin to feel like Americans again, then I would immediately begin exploring and colonizing out into space as the #1 national priority.

Outer space is America's destiny. Not Russia's destiny, not China's or India's or England's destiny, America's destiny.

[MHGinTN]

200 x 2000 is a bit larger than 3 x 2000. Do you know if the materials available in ancient Egypt would have been viable in a scaled up block and tackle required to move 200 tonnes? Would block and tackle scale up to handle such a load? Calculate the coefficent of friction for different surfaces upon which to drag a 200 ton block. The engineering is, on the surface, simple enough, but when you start to deal in the specific difficulties to be addressed, noone yet can prove how the feat could have been done with the known technology of ancient Egypt.

[Northeast]

Greetings, I'm late to this party, but it has been an entertaining thread(!)

Discostu, you asked I think the only way to answer that question is to develop a great project, but what? If you could hammer through the appropriations and permits to build any grand structure, intending it to be the autograph of this generation on America ala the Golden Gate Bridge or Empire State Building or getting a man on the moon, what would it be?

A GREAT question!

With no barriers to construction, I'd build This. The space elevator. Amazing concept, and not impossible.

And, if we are feeling really ambitious, we can build a Pyramid right next to it to power it!

Regards
Notheast