[Young Werther]

NASA should remain focused on Science, Space and Aviation. The Moon and Mars initiatives are exploration and exploitation activities. Once Lewis and Clarke returned from their missions, it became the task of commerce and settlements that focused our energies on the new frontier. The Northwest Territories Act and the likes of Johnny Appleseed, (read Burt Rutan), brought the farmers, railroads and industry to the new territories.

The Moon and Mars and the whole near Earth territory should be guided by these historical precedences. the Deprtment of Commerce, Energy and Transportation should be focused on opening up the High Frontier. O'Neil and Roddenberry had a better vision. Interestingly, the NASA tribute to Ronald Reagan included his speech when he, in 1984, espoused the establishment of a permanent presence in space within the next 10 years. Of course it's 20 years later and we're still not there!

As we develop private funding and private entrepreneurship we shall go where no man has gone before!

[Monty22]

"Interestingly, the NASA tribute to Ronald Reagan included his speech when he, in 1984, espoused the establishment of a permanent presence in space within the next 10 years. Of course it's 20 years later and we're still not there!"

What do you call the space station then?