Rick Russell wrote:

In article <Yq4Kb.21019$lo3.17226@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net>,
Jack Crenshaw  <jcrens@earthlink.net> wrote:

haven't made any attempt to colonize it.  We couldn't even go there now, even if we tried.  We don't have the technology anymore.  But, hey, we know how to build MP3 players.  Such a deal.

So, what's your solution? More taxes, and spend the money on space
research instead of MP3 players?

Um ... actually, yes.  We human beings in general, and Americans in particular, seem to need titanic goals to thrive. When left to our own devices, we tend to degrade and reduce ourselves to self-indulgent fops.

This country showed what it was made of in WWI, WWII, during the Great Depression, and 9/11.  We always seem to respond when there's a crisis or a great challenge.

On the other foot, we show how petty we can be when times are good, as in the Gay 90's, Roaring 20's, and the Good Times of the 60's and 90's.  People with too much money and too much time on their hands never seem to find anything noble to do with it.

The Apollo program came during a critical time in history -- a time of turmoil and confusion. It may well be the only thing that held this country together when everything else around it was falling apart.

Personally, I would welcome another challenge like a Moon race or Mars race.  I think a lot of others would, also.

If people are free to choose what they want, they will usually choose
immediate comfort rather than long-term scientific goals.

Ask not what your country can do for you ...

Jack