Quote:
Originally Posted by Eclogite
The problem with your thesis Charles, if I may be so bold, lies in everything that is implicit in the words 'we'. 'Our' space program, if I may reciprocate the egocentric approach, is quite healthy, here in Europe. It has built steadily and progressively, without any of the razmatazz and chest beating which accompanied the US program. Because it has been constructed prudently I am not aware that it is not under particular threat.
The Chinese and Indian programs are also proceeding apace. We may even see a space race between these two along the lines of the US/USSR event.
I share your belief that we should set as our destiny the goal of beginning the colonisation of the rest of the galaxy, subject to prior ownership, of course. What I do not share is your belief that 'our' space project is doomed, unless you mean the NASA venture. And even there I would point to the likes of Bert Rotan (spelling?) to save 'you'.
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For a "citizen-of-the-world," I sure messed up there! I have been blinded by "our" US chauvenistic, chest-beating media treatment! My impression is that the other programs are far behind, but I suspect "they" are catching up fast.
"We" and "they" are very important words. I often use the word "we" for "the West," that which was once Christendom but is now the heart of Secular Humanism. Also, I use "we" being the US as the "leader" of the "free world" as they say.
I am curious as to what you believe would happen to the European space effort if the US had another failure of a space launch filled with people? I doubt that it would slow the Asian effort, but it seems to me it would have a major, negative effect on the European progrem you mention.
