New Space Race?

[T'ai Chi]

Are Bush's recent space thingies in response to a growing 'threat' from China's space program?

 

[xouper]

T'ai Chi: Are Bush's recent space thingies in response to a growing 'threat' from China's space program?

Are you asking for speculative opinions, or are you asking if anyone here has the definitive answer to your question?

 

[coalesce]

I think wholeheartedly "yes" that Bush's recent space agenda is a direct response to China's presence in space. Could you imagine the White House's reaction to losing the high ground in space to anyone else? I doubt it would be "good show, ole boy." And what better way to further militarize space than by setting up a base on the moon or in a Lagrangian point between the moon and Earth.

It will be interesting to see how this develops.

Michael

 

[Clancie]

It's not about China (yet); it's about Russia. Rice is an expert...sees the inability of Russia to challenge the US militarily (hence no need for a coalition anymore when invading its neighbors like Afghanistan and Iraq).

Bush isn't in a race with anyone. His people see a void, no competion, and so he's pursuing a brand new American strategy of investing in -blatant- US global military domination.

With tax cuts for the rich...money being redistributed (not to the poor, Democratic-style, but to the US military-industrial complex*, Republican style)...and a new record in deficit spending set in such a short time...."Bush II" is really "Reagan II", only worse.

****

*With appreciation to Dwight Eisenhower for his brilliant speech, even though the concept--developing a military-industrial influence over government policies beyond what even he feared so much-- has been much ignored ever since.....

 

[Prester John]

I'd be more inclined to suggest a pre election angle, but it could be a China reaction.
Lets see if it goes anywhere, and if NASA can cope. Maybe a clear goal is what NASA needs, at least they're getting rid of the shuttles, which have held NASA back for years.

 

[Torlack]

It is a pre-election stunt. Bush has a history of doing this type of stuff. It might have a little to do with China, a little to do with Mars and a little more to do with Iraq (as in a wrap yourself in the flag, talk about how great we are and provide a short distraction from Iraq).

 

[epepke]

Are Bush's recent space thingies in response to a growing 'threat' from China's space program?

"Space Thingies" is a fabulous term. I like it.

My speculative interpretation is that George W. Bush isn't actually going to do Jack Squat to promote space exploration but wants something sparkly on his record.