[TomB]

While I agree, I wonder if it is profitable yet. Sometimes the state needs to subsidize projects with vision which are not yet profitable in the private sector, IMO.

Columbus wouldn't have sailed to the New World if it hadn't been for Queen Isabella's funding.

Let's not forget Thomas Jefferson, usually touted by the uberConservatives as one of our greatest Presidents (and I concur). He pulled some questionable antics to gather together government money to fund the Corps of Discovery. If one were cynical enough, one could tear apart his motivations.

As I said earlier, government funding and support for exploration goes back a long as the country itself. So there is quite a bit of precedent.

[Dec31,1999]

Thanks for the reply. While it may seem a bit lofty as a goal, here in 2003, the US, and perhaps our civilized international friends need to reach higher and further than we have.

I propose an independent outpost be established on Mars to be accomplished by the year of our Lord in 2010. Think it can't be done? Think again.