fc@spuxll.UUCP (fc) (05/03/85)
The best argument I can think of to pursuade the non-space-interested citizen that NASA budgets should not be cut is to ask them where we would be today if, in 1492, Queen Isabella had given Columbus's funding to the poor instead. If no-one had funded Columbus (and successors) can you imagine how overcrowded Europe would be today if all the people here of European ancestry were born there instead. Also, look at how many millions of people world-wide are now fed by our huge grain farms both here & in Canada, etc. Who, in 1492, could have imagined 747's capable of delivering 200,000 pounds of food from the US to Africa in half a day? Who, in 1985, can imagine what immense benefits will flow to Earth from Mars, the asteroids, etc. in 500 years?
grl@charm.UUCP (George Lake) (05/07/85)
The implication that NASA budget cuts are to help the poor is ludicrous. Is the military sensitive part of NASA getting cut? NO, Civilian science? of course. Are we increasing benefits to the poor? NO Are we increasing the defense budget?