Quote:
Originally Posted by Azure
I never said we 'understand' it.
But I would think that part of understanding the planet around is would be exploring the galaxy, solar system and universe around us. No?
|
I think that the voices that appear to be against your opinion are less 'against' your opinion and more 'for' solving problems at home before seeking out new ones.
I'm a total space geek, but I am also of the opinion that curing diseases and educating the planet takes precedent over exploration. Much the same as actual attendance of school is more important than field trips.
While field trips are nice, and they help spark interest in furthering education, it is more of a supplementary tool than a primary one.
But also, IMO, national space programs aren't exactly altruistic in nature. I'd bet my life savings (which ain't much) that NASA spends more money researching national defence mechanisms than actually studying "space".
Whether they like it or not. Because it is a national program, and because the American military is so influential in American politics, NASA's funding is often channelled toward research that ends up helping to arm or protect the USA.
I have to agree though, that there is other pork that should be cut before NASA's funding. Governments waste more money than most of us can imagine. But understand that Obama is making a political statement by saying that he'll cut NASA's budget. He's saying that he'd more focussed on individual Americans than he is on a certain science that interests few, and benefits fewer. It is a liberal philosophy. Educating individuals helps bolster an entire community.
And to do that, he needs money. And the conservative side of the argument is "where you gonna get that money?"
His answer has to come from a tangible source. He can't just say that he's going to "cut the pork". He has to say where he's going to get the money. And there are few sources to choose from... National defence, education, health care, infrastructure, programs like NASA that individuals don't really benefit from immediately... Or he could say that he'll raise taxes. That'll get him the nomination...