This thread Cliff's Notes

Author of thread doesn't like government spending on Moon or Mars.
Aldeer Captain calls him a dumbass and makes counter-argument.
Author of thread responds making his case.
At some point Author is called an idiot.
If it weren't for space exploration we would have all bottle beer.
Author continues to make his point.
Author gets time out.
....various other comments about poster is an asshat and thoughts on results from space exploration.

The most important invention was the integrated chip (or semiconductor). No way to send someone into space using computers that relied on vacuum tubes.

My grandfather passed away believing man never went to the moon. His mind just could not comprehend it. He bought his farm near Plainview, TX and traveled there in a covered wagon. Before he passed he was taking a jet plane to Phoenix, AZ to visit his oldest daughter and her family.

JBC

I dont understand something from your earlier posts... you seem ok with spending money on space research, but dont want to go to the moon (again) or to mars.

What exactly do you want that research to be about?

I think going back to space (in a big way) would be great for our nation. I think that eventually we will have a base on the moon that will be a jumping off place for many other planets. The much weaker atmosphere on the moon makes that more plausible.

The space station seems awesome and highly beneficial

My issue is specifically with the act of landing on a planet simply to be first.

the mars mission is a way to generate interest, and keep government funding coming. it is a concrete goal that fires the imagination of many, in a pioneering/exploring way. the benefits of the effort to reach that goal will work their way into regular lives ...

As many have pointed out our space exploration program is critical to advance science and to stay ahead of adversaries and enemies.

However, I do think a *manned* mission to Mars is unnecessary and not a wise expenditure of limited resources. I am all for building more unmanned space ships to do the exploring of our solar system and beyond.


***We also probably need to be cooperating with the Russians and Chinese with respect to shooting nukes at that asteroid that is going to hit the Earth in 2029.

What ever would I have done without a microwave to pop my popcorn?

Unless they can figure out how to deal with moon dust we are not going back to the Moon.

Here we go......this should answer any questions , LOL
M-A-R-S

Must....resist.....the.....urge....to....jump....in....