SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Politics : Politics for Pros- moderated
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: LindyBill who wrote (23710)1/10/2004 4:59:34 AM
From: D. Long  Read Replies (1) of 793677
 
I definately think NASA will blow a couple tons of money. No way around that with a government agency.

I think the analogy with the American West isn't a fit. In the case of the West, the other concerned powers acknowledged our claims. We bought Louisiana from France, and we took the Southwest and California from Mexico by right of conquest. Our claims operated within the framework of the international system as it was, and no great power was particularly bothered by the crazy Americans expanding into the wastelands populated by buffalo and wild Injuns.

What we're talking about here is something much different - staking claim to the Moon, Mars, comets, asteroids, etc. That's not only outside any sort of legal framework (and goes completely against the space treaty), but it really sticks it in people's craw that the US would OWN the moon that hangs over their head every night. That's not in their interest, to say the least. Especially with the concept of a mass-driver in mind. ;P

And that is probably the central problem of getting into space. Without the profit motive, we're stuck with motivations like geology. Try selling the King and Queen of Spain on a westward voyage with GEOLOGY. "Yes Your Majesty, there's some mighty grand granite over there we'd like to put our eyes on."

Derek
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News