Interested in space exploration?

[Mithridates]

Please register on this site and post on this thread:

http://uplink.space.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=missions&Number=867279&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=1&vc=1#Post867287

This is a board for astronomy that I post on quite a bit and the users there are very disappointed in the non-responses they are getting from candidates such as Edwards, such as on this thread:

http://uplink.space.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=missions&Number=867297&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=1&vc=1#Post867297


There are always debates on that board as to whether space exploration should be done by NASA through government funding, or whether the free market should be in charge. Those that believe the latter would be very supportive of what I assume Ron Paul's position still is on space exploration (I assume means that I haven't seen anything written by him on the subject besides his position when he ran for president the first time).

These people decide who they're voting for almost solely on their position (or what they guess their position would be as president) on space exploration. I'm pretty much the same way.

It's not a political board though and almost never goes off topic, so if you register please stick to the topic of how a Ron Paul presidency would affect space exploration, and what else he has said on the subject besides the one position paper I was able to dig up.

[Mithridates]

Bumping this because there are a lot more messages on the thread I started now. There seems to be a lively debate going now too so there's no need to sign up and write on the topic unless you're really interested.

[AlexMerced]

I think a Microsoft/Apple space race would be less consequencial than another cold war with China :)

[sirachman]

I greatly support the kind of environment for civilian space initiatives that a president Ron Paul would help create. NASA arguably has its place for certain functions, however if humans ever want to see space become inhabited or frequented in the near term commercialization is the only option and focusing on government programs is not the solution.

[WilliamC]

Very much so but no time to spend talking about it now.

[idiom]

It is often said that Russias Space Program is the most capitalistic of their Government departments and that Nasa is the most socialistic of Americas.

You can buy a flight on a Russian rocket, but not on Nasa's.

[sirachman]

Very much so but no time to spend talking about it now.

Definately agreed, get on the phone and call your precinct members and donate at www.RonPaul2008.com/donate NOW! ;)

[Xenophage]

NASA has horribly crippled space exploration and development. There is a lot to be said on this subject, but Ron Paul's positions are consistent and on this issue I'm confident he would say: reduce NASA monopolization on space exploration in the short term and open it up to make it easier for the private sector to get involved.

[WilliamC]

Definately agreed, get on the phone and call your precinct members and donate at www.RonPaul2008.com/donate NOW! ;)

Just waiting for my slim jims to arrive.

I bought an ink stamp today to put my name/number on them.

I've got people waiting and ready to help canvass.

I just ordered 1000 bumper stickers today for a bumper sticker blitz.

I sent out 540 letters to Iowa, and called about 1/2 of those people in the days before the election.

I called into 4 different radio stations today alone, three to promote issues associated with Ron Paul and the 4th to plug the man himself.

I'm out oh about $1,000 into this campaign so far in total donations and supplies so far.

And I've still got more to do :)

[sirachman]

NASA has horribly crippled space exploration and development. There is a lot to be said on this subject, but Ron Paul's positions are consistent and on this issue I'm confident he would say: reduce NASA monopolization on space exploration in the short term and open it up to make it easier for the private sector to get involved.

Definately agree, and if you want to check out a new type of private space company try this on for size: www.InterPlanetaryVentures.org
If you have any questions feel free to send them to info@InterPlanetaryVentures.org or register on the forums and post your query.

But hey, don't get TOO involved and forget to get Ron elected, alright? :)
(Please note that while I personally endorse Ron Paul, I am not officially endorsing him on behalf of InterPlanetary Ventures)

[Mithridates]

Very much so but no time to spend talking about it now.

I agree. It's worthwhile for those with a site though to add a section on Ron Paul's views on space exploration because its supporters are really sick of the fluff answers they get from other candidates. Here's the blah answer somebody got from the Edwards campaign for example:


Thank you for writing John Edwards about space exploration. We
appreciate that you took the time to share your thoughts and concerns
with us. We enjoy hearing from people all over the country about the
issues that are important to them.

Senator Edwards is a strong supporter of our space program. It reflects
the best of the American spirit of optimism, discovery and progress.

We need a balanced space and aeronautics program. We need to support
solar system exploration as an important goal for our human and robotic
programs, but only as one goal among several. And we need to invite
other countries to share in a meaningful way in both the adventure and
the cost of space exploration.

Again, your thoughts on this issue are important to us and we appreciate
hearing from you.


Sincerely,
The Edwards Team


Not important enough to divert any time from state primaries or canvassing of course, but good to keep in mind.

Some important companies that are starting to succeed in private space development by the way are:

Bigelow Airspace (the president of this company first got his money through a hotel chain I believe started in Las Vegas)
SpaceX

And a few others that haven't done much yet but are showing promise:

Armadillo Airspace
Blue Origin
JPAerospace

An endorsement from any of these companies would be nice.

[BeFranklin]

Some issues are UN treaties that would prevent the free exploration of space and private development.

[WilliamC]

I agree. It's worthwhile for those with a site though to add a section on Ron Paul's views on space exploration because its supporters are really sick of the fluff answers they get from other candidates. Here's the blah answer somebody got from the Edwards campaign for example:




Not important enough to divert any time from state primaries or canvassing of course, but good to keep in mind.

Some important companies that are starting to succeed in private space development by the way are:

Bigelow Airspace (the president of this company first got his money through a hotel chain I believe started in Las Vegas)
SpaceX

And a few others that haven't done much yet but are showing promise:

Armadillo Airspace
Blue Origin
JPAerospace

An endorsement from any of these companies would be nice.

Much of my libertarian worldview comes from massive consumption of Sci Fi books as a kid and young adult. Especially Robert Heinlein.

Space is the place for the human race to embrace it's destiny.