Yay! More useless spending of money! I love this guy, really, I do.

For the money used to fund the mission to Mars, the world could be made a much better place. In the US alone, it could considerably raise the standard of living, which is still on average ridiculously high compared to the rest of the world. The money could be used to fund a universal health-care system, like the one used here in Canada. It could be used on education, to ensure that American students are not by and large considered to be among the stupidest on Earth. The list goes on folks.

But, no. Instead, to get himself re-elected, Bush needs to present a "big idea" to the American citizenry. Some huge undertaking that will fill their hearts with partiotism and make them think that "We're Number 1 !!". This is it. Quite aside from the science of it all, this is essentially a multi-billion re-election stunt, payed for by the tax dollars of the American people.

The implication here is that the American people would rather have bragging rights that serve no real purpose, than an actual improvement in quality of life. Not only for themselves, but the rest of the world as well. Thats what you're supporting if you support this move, just to clarify that. The case could be made that the scientific discoveries that are to be made, both as the technology used to make possble such a mission as well as the discoveries on Mars, is a worthy goal, and I do agree with that. Its just that scientific for the sake of science is pretty far down my list of priorities when the situation here on Earth is so dire. Were the world living in wealth and health, I would be the first to support such an undertaking as the exploration of space. But its not, and the fact that its not is of greater importance than some, relatively speaking, useless scientific discovery.

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On a slightly different matter, I simply can not let the comments made here about welfare go without an arguement. Do you honestly believe that the majority, or evena significant portion, if those recieveing welfare are lazy crack addicts that are popping out kids for the sheer hell of it? If the answer is yes, than please start punching yourself in the face right now until you get the stupid beat out of you. Its a complete lie that the people on welfare are quite capable of improving their situation, they just don't want to. Most people on welfare are much harder working than your average middle class o upper class Joe. They work 2 jobs to stay afloat. They have to struggle through life because they were never given the chance to be anything better (at least, not nearly as good a chance as those who are wealthier). To write these people off as lazy is to morally excuse the fact that they continue to live in such a state when the means to help them are readily available.