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"Because there is a valuable energy source, helium 3, that is waiting to be exploited."

Nifty. Now explain why MY tax dollars should go toward this boondoggle that the free market would never touch, when there is plenty of energy on earth, and saving money will leave more for the free market to develop improved sources.

Now explain why MY tax dollars should go toward this boondoggle that the free market would never touch, when there is plenty of energy on earth, and saving money will leave more for the free market to develop improved sources.

Because if we don't the Chinese will. Unless we start looking a quarter century or greater down the road we will cede our position as the top power in the world. The explotation of space resources, and its derivatives such as a population more attuned to science and hard education, should be a national priority. Our current status is threatened and I, for one, do not want my country to slip to the ranks of second tier.

Yes, this will entail sacrifice and your tax dollars (mine too), but I'm willing to make the investment for a more robust and secure America.

MEMO

From: Queen Isabella
To: Mr. Christopher Columbus

RE: New Route to India

Chris, we've been considering your offer to find a new route to the spice merchants in India, and we're having second thoughts about funding the effort. We mean, there are a number of established roads and waterways that we can use to get there, so we don't see the need to develop new ones. Besides, spice consumption should remain level for the foreseeable future, and we seem to have enough to go around. It sure seems like a lot of danger to take on for such a small result.

Certainly, there couldn't be anything new to learn from such a voyage anyway, as Europe has already mapped the whole world, we're quite sure. This particular indisputable fact brings me to a suggestion for you: Perhaps you could map the coastlines of Europe for us. You know, travel back and forth along the shores for a few decades and really record the details.

We wish you excellent luck in whatever you do, Chris.

Royally Yours,

The Queen