[Alberta's Child]

Aside form the human element of a disaster like this, one of the things I've determined over the years is that manned space travel has been one of the worst "investments" the U.S. has ever made. While I agree that there is some value to what is being accomplished in space, I think the "return" on this enormous investment has been unacceptably small.

[Jhoffa_]

If you look at it like an investment, the return has been pretty small.

I look at it (as Poobah said) like a mandate.

Exploration is part of who we are and has facinated men since the beginning of time. We are going to grouse and argue about it till we finally just go, have a look and settle it once and for all.

(Maybe it's just a "guy thing" Men love to explore.)

[Kip Lange]

While I agree that there is some value to what is being accomplished in space, I think the "return" on this enormous investment has been unacceptably small.

Investment? Space flight is a realization of human potential. Exploration, and sacrifice for exploration, is what human beings, and *specifically* Americans, are all about. We make no investment; we follow our nature; we follow our calling. There was a reason we moved out of mud huts in the first place. Obviously you'd rather still be in the hut. :-)