Mr. President, Give us Space

I was just looking at the calender today and noticed that last Saturday was the 49th Anniversary of John Glenn's historic three orbits of the earth. Time sure flies.

Then I realized that the space shuttle Endeavor has only one more trip into space before it is retired. What is wrong with this picture?

President Kennedy vowed that the US would get to the Moon by the end of the 1960s, and we did. Out of that endeavor came countless advancements in technology, nutrition, and everyday living. The space program gave thousands of jobs to people who were not only directly involved, but also indirectly involved. It embodied the American Spirit and the idea that Americans could do just about anything once we put our minds to it. Have we given up on returning to the moon or going on to Mars?

When President Obama cut the program, he cut hope. Sure it costs money and there are lots of needs, but the advancement of humanity is as important as the now we live in. People cannot keep stressing on the now, but have to live for a future that will be enriched and vast. To cut this program in the name of saving money or channeling it else where was inane and disingenious.

Maybe Americans and people in general have become to enamored of the enormity of the process and only look at the dollar sign. Networks no longer cover launches or landings; astronauts no longer are viewed as heroes, but rather as pilots just doing a job. To me, there is nothing more majestic or a tribute to man's intgelligence and fortitude and pioneering spirit than to see a shuttle lift off into or return from space. I have never seen one live, but people who have seen shuttles launches tell me that there is nothing like it.

Kids used to dream of other worlds, of going into space, and as Gene Roddenberry wrote, "To boldly go where no man has gone before." There are no more dreams, apparently. My ancestors opened up the Oregon Territory, but my descedents will not open up new territory or see first hand the vastness of the universe.

Americans are no longer in the driver's seat, but rather are earthbound and must hitch rides into space. We are now dependent on other nations ( and we see how that works with energy) and their generosity for understanding.

Mr. President, if you really want technology to expand knowledge and our people to keep their place in the world of science, give us space.

Doughnut