I repeat from my former post...If Nasa can't get back to focusing on exploration, instead of providing ponies for jockeys, I say shut it down completely.
As for what I dare say this day after the disaster, the thread's subject is the fate of the Shuttle program. I say reduce it and refocus on what we were supposed to do, which is explore. That ride Clinton gave to John Glenn to reward him for playing ball about the technology which should NOT have gone to China...well, that says a whole lot about the Mystique of the Astronaut the the Ride of Reward.
There now, I know that feels better since your true agenda is out there. And I would not insult you about that agenda, disagree maybe, but as I stated, there are two camps on the matter. Sorry you don't think they can coexist.
I also wouldn't argue with you about the Clinton/Glenn payoff ride.
But your earlier comment remains inaccurate and inappropriate. You certainly can't say Dan Golden favored the manned program over unmanned. He complained about it immensely, and he was never an astronaut either.
I want what is done to matter...bring me home some bacon instead of dreams
And better meds, advances in metallurgy, or other sciences don't matter? The development of better fuel cells, solar cell and battery technology, navigation aids, electronics in general, and the jobs and industries that develop out of those don't matter? Just what 'bacon' would make you happy?