Ready for a trip to the moon???

[GalvestonDuck]

Question for those of you opposed to further space travel:

It will be years before we get to Mars (after 2015?). And there will be even more years of research after we get there and find out what it's all about. And this next part may not happen in our lifetime due to all the years in between. But what if after plenty of research, NASA and medical scientists discover that after refining certain minerals or fluids found on the surface of Mars, these news substances provide a cure for some previously incurable disease such as cancer, diabetes, or AIDS? Or maybe it can be used to rejuvenate damaged nerve cells in paralysis patients.

Would it be worth the money then?

I mean, who knew 20 years ago that we'd actually be able to sit at home with our computers and listen to music, voice chat with people on the other side of the globe (without paying long distance), view a weather radar, find out everything you always wanted to know about just about anything, and type a thesis that could be edited without Liquid Paper? There's no telling what we'll be doing by the time we get to Mars.

[janswizard]

It's not the idea of the mission, Duck, it's the timing. If there was a way that Bush would match, dollar for dollar, every penny that will be earmarked for this moon mission to be spent in improving the lives of our own citizens, then there may not be such a negative feeling on my part.

When our Apollo program started back in the 60's, the economy was much different - it was a time of prosperity for our people and we could afford to make our dreams come true. There are some now who only dream of balanced meals on their table - the idea of spending zillions of dollars on space isn't realistic to them.

[Rainband]

Bad timing...I agree with everything you said shawn but there is too much that money could be spent on.