[Dagnabitt]

I have no problem with private companies getting into the humans-to-orbit business. It's a good idea and some, like Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, and Space-X could have something up and running in a few years.

The problems are:
1) They are leaving a gap with Soyuz as the only operator. OK that Soyuz remains in the "taxi" mix, but they shouldn't be the only operator for years - for both pricing and national-security reasons.
2) Constellation isn't just a taxi service. It's a path for American human spaceflight beyond LEO for the first time since 72, back to the moon and beyond. As such it's a vehicle for national dreams, daring, leadership and pride. (in short, everything Obama is not)

[maine-iac7]

bttt

[maine-iac7]

I have no problem with private companies getting into the humans-to-orbit business

and nobodys stopping them - but there need to be a long lap-over - not a sheer drop off that leaves our astronauts, as you say, at the mercy of the ancient Russian capsules for ferrying -

and our money must NOT be sidled off to the Muslims to teach THEM how to build rockets and make rocket fuel.

THAT is the ultimate 'redistribution' - which well may have been his target goal all along.

And while everyone was/is watching and clamoring and demonstrating about the 24/7 health care "stealth care" bill watching his right hand, his left hand is doing the dirtiest work - it is, after all, the Islamic way.