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Now that the space shuttle program is retired, should the United States significantly reduce its investment in NASA?
Yes. In a budget crisis, we can ill afford the high cost of space research and exploration.
14% (168 votes)
Yes. Only until the economy gets going again, and then we have to renew our commitment.
19% (229 votes)
No. Too many jobs are at stake among companies dependent on NASA contracts, and we cannot afford to add more unemployment.
10% (127 votes)
No. Space research and exploration are vital to the future of our nation and the world.
57% (702 votes)
Total votes: 1226
Comments
Stop US government funding of NASA
No one would want to stymie the future benefits of space exploration, but, let that be on the backs of private companies that profit from it. Right now we have to survive the excesssive spending of all states and the federal government, along with the excessive taxation of the American people...how many more taxes can we afford? Right now everything we touch is taxed! Yet, they want more!
NASA is a great investment
Air Conditioning for our forces in Iraq and Afganastan costs $20 Billion per year. That's more than the NASA budget.
We're getting good value from NASA.
New Paradigm Requires Different Approach
When Space Exploration began it needed mega-bucks government help, if for no other reason than to point the way. This was during a time when most citizens thought of space travel as science fiction fantasy. However, those days have past, as have the days of unlimited ability to pay for the Space Program from the public coffers. Now with an economy staggering on the brink of depression it is time to transfer the exploration of space over to private entrepreneurs, many of whom are already developing private space programs. The employees of the companies that support the NASA programs through their manufacturing will no longer be employed by the government but those jobs will still be needed by private entrepreneurs.
If at sometime in the future when the economy recovers the government feels the need for a government space program the option will still be there. Until then we need to concentrate on paying down the debt, not incur more.
Robert Ireland (PUFL) Post 174 Willits, CA
nasa to big for our good
I think we should let the small business (civilians) delvelop a rocketship and then pay them 10 billion to use it like we are paying the russians to use the soyuse or what ever its called I know the american business man can develop a rocket capable of getting to the space station if they are given the correct info,and chance withe a huge reward only to approved qualified companys of course .If the russians can do it what the hell why can't AMERICA build a better one let the little man shine
nasa to big for our good
I think we should let the small business (civilians) delvelop a rocketship and then pay them 10 billion to use it like we are paying the russians to use the soyuse or what ever its called I know the american business man can develop a rocket capable of getting to the space station if they are given the correct info,and chance withe a huge reward only to approved qualified companys of course .If the russians can do it what the hell why can't AMERICA build a better one let the little man shine
should the United States stop funding NASA
I believe it was best stated by Doug Fulmer, AD ADSTRA, July/August, 1991.
"But the astronauts who lost their lives on CHALLENGER, as well as the other eight astronauts who were killed in the line of duty and the four Soviet cosmonauts who died in space serve as inspiration for us all. None of them would have wanted to give her or his life in vain. None would have wanted us to stop striving for the stars. If anything, we must continue to preserve their dreams."