Every time I hear about how many jobs the government has created, I just cringe a little more and wonder if so many people have no idea how business works or where government money comes from.
It's why I think the new space plan is good. Government jobs are hopeless and space isn't something to be funded by governments. Supported yes but not whole ran by. All those NASA jobs being cut will mean more private sector jobs, not only this but in a commercial environment everything has to earns it place. I think part of NASAs problems came from having old staff they couldn't get rid of or who were under performing.
I think for the relatively tiny amount the US has invested in the space program, we've gotten a lot out of it in the form of technology transformed to consumer products. And that, in and of itself, spawned businesses and industry, so in the end, worth it, imho. And I think there are plenty of necessary and good Government services, too. So I hope no one misunderstands me here.
I can't remember exact figures, but it seems like government spending on NASA has been less than 1% of the entire budget.
But I get what you mean about needing fresh blood, too.
Oh yeah don't get me wrong either - what they have done up until now is great stuff. They have inspired people and companies. And i think there role in developing and stimulating tech is also great. Just the whole "go into space" thing seems like it will succeed more if it was in the commercial sector. Government projects are to liable to what the daily politics dictate. Commercial projects have more freedom and don't need to answer to a load of politicians who really have no idea about space. ;)
Also thanks about Icon. Muzz gifted it to me ages ago but never got round to using it on LJ. ^^
I've listened to a whole lot of talk radio while working (driving truck...), and have no opinion of my own still...
Don't really like gov't spending to 'create' jobs, like you said.
limit importation of necessary items that would then have to be made within the borders - that gets labeled 'protectionism', and is seen as bad because 'if we do it, then 'they' will do it'. But no one can say how it would play out for sure. Of course, people made a conscious choice to send jobs/ manufacturing abroad in the first place. What we have no precedent for though, is how 'globalization' is playing out.
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A bit off topic but slightly relevant. ;)
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I think for the relatively tiny amount the US has
invested in the space program, we've gotten a lot
out of it in the form of technology transformed to
consumer products. And that, in and of itself,
spawned businesses and industry, so in the end,
worth it, imho. And I think there are plenty of
necessary and good Government services, too. So
I hope no one misunderstands me here.
I can't remember exact figures, but it seems like
government spending on NASA has been less than 1%
of the entire budget.
But I get what you mean about needing fresh blood,
too.
Reply
Also thanks about Icon. Muzz gifted it to me ages ago but never got round to using it on LJ. ^^
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Don't really like gov't spending to 'create' jobs, like you said.
limit importation of necessary items that would then have to be made within the borders - that gets labeled 'protectionism', and is seen as bad because 'if we do it, then 'they' will do it'. But no one can say how it would play out for sure. Of course, people made a conscious choice to send jobs/ manufacturing abroad in the first place. What we have no precedent for though, is how 'globalization' is playing out.
I think U.S. is also feeling very threatened by China's continuing development. Also, this: http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20100216/sc_livescience/shortageofrareearthelementscouldthwartinnovation
I dunno... I'm just a peon...
Yes mi'lord...
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But yeah, I think we are feeling threatened..and should.. not only from their growth but also by how much we owe them.
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