Moon Attacked!

Marvin The Martian

Well, by now you've heard about NASA's $79 million mission to bomb the moon. Apparently, it is very critical to learn if there is water on the moon so that if we ever visit again, we won't need to bring it with us. We'll also be able to stop there on the way to Mars. And, of course, even though the American taxpayer is paying for this, I'm sure that in the spirit of international cooperation, we'll be sharing what we've learned with the world. That's good news for the Chinese, because then they won't have to spend the $79 million and they can still race us to Mars! Isn't cooperation among world partners wonderful?

Meanwhile, back on earth, unemployment in the US is pushing 10%, the economy is a shambles, we have record deficits, our national debt is an embarrassment and according to Obama, there are all these poor folks who can't afford health care. Given all of this, it only makes sense to blow yet another expensive hole in an already pock marked moon!

Now, don't get me wrong. I cheered our astronauts and it sure was one memorable moment when we landed on the moon, firmly kicking Russia's butt. Very sweet. I also understand man's thirst for knowledge and the value of the quest for it. What I don't understand is why we need to squander money on stupid missions like this. This couldn't wait until the economy improved? We couldn't share the cost with another country? If we do return to the moon in the future, couldn't we accomplish this on the first manned return?

Yes, this is "only" $79 million of taxpayer money, but remember this fiasco the next time Obama is trying to raise taxes. I believe that NASA should be audited by an independent entity (not the government) and the results of that audit should drive any future budgeting process. I also think that the private sector would seize the opportunity to explore and commercialize space and make exploration to the stars profitable and enlightening, if only our government would get out of the way. And after all, wouldn't it be better to have money coming in than pouring money forever down the NASA black hole?