Should We Close Down and Privatize NASA?

OK, OK...So it's been 5 months since my last post.  Sorry, I've been busy.  I had attempted to run for State Representative but ran into a major hurdle thanks to some "friends" in New York whose job it is to stifle political activity, literally.  I'll be much more prepared for a fight next time.  I'm not going to try to catch up on issues (i.e, AZ Immigration Law, the Pats' draft picks, Daisuke, Boston violence, etc.).  I'm just going to start posting again on a periodic basis.  I may post something on some of these topics, but now now.

Is it time to shut down NASA and privatize all of its functions?  I believe that it's something that we should think of.  It's not something that I want to do, but to say they lost their way is the understatement of the past two centuries.  According to NASA.gov, "NASA's mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research".  Also, "NASA is making significant and sustained investments in:

• Transformative technology development and demonstrations to pursue new approaches to space exploration, including heavy-lift technologies;
• Robotic precursor missions to multiple destinations in the solar system;
• U.S. commercial spaceflight capabilities;
• Extensions and increased utilization of the International Space Station;
• Cross-cutting technology development in a new Space Technology Program;
• Climate change research and observations;
• NextGen and green aviation; and
• Education, including focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)."

So, how are they they doing this?  Well, I've posted the interview that Obama appointed NASA Administrator Charles Bolden gave to Al Jazeera.  You only need to watch the first few minutes to understand why I think NASA has lost its way.  When watching the video, ask yourself how the Muslim world can help NASA accomplish the items listed above.



If you listened to the whole interview, you know that Bolden mentioned that the U.S. has gotten away from basic research and development of new technologies and relies on the technology of other nations.  He goes on to mention that it will need the talents and technologies of different nations who offer different specialties.  He talks about the importence of the U.S. being the lead agency and that all of the other agencies look up to NASA.  Then, he talks about relying much more on international partners and putting them in the "critical path" with responsibilities they may not have been trusted with before. 

NOW IT MAKES SENSE.  Let's turn to the Middle East for technology.  You know, the Mecca of the Scienftic World.  Let's ask the people who last contributions to match and science came between 1,000 to 1,300 years ago.  Their society must be so sophisticated and modern!  With all those smart people, their literacy must be through the roof.  They must have match and science schools everywhere!  Let's tap into that knowledge to get the U.S. to go where we want to go, but don't know how to get there!

What?  They don't?  What do you mean that most people can't read and rely on the preachings (I mean teachings) of those who only know sharia law?

OK, at least tell me they live like the Jetsons.  Huh?  The vast majorty of the area live as if they were in the stone age?  Stone age.  Really?!  Not even like the American Old West? 

So, what is NASA doing pandering to the Middle East?...AGAIN!  Celebrating the anniversary of Obama's Cairo speech sounds like a diplomatic mission and not a scientific mission.

Clearly, Mr. Bolden is a well educated man. His career as a Marine and astonaut should be an inspiration to us all. Being a retired military officer, I think that he is following orders and doing what he is told.  However, I need to ask how can the Muslim countries help us realize this mission and list of objectives?  What can the countries of Iran, or Pakistan, or Syria, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. contribute?

Without a doubt, there are brilliantly educated Muslim people in this world.  Where were they educated?  In "western" universities in Europe and the United States.  Stop bending over backwards to people who hate the way we live with electricity, running water...books. 

Let's focus on the global warming and rising seas that Al Gore has made millions speaking about.  Millions that be used to buy OCEANFRONT property in California.  Hmm....Then again, maybe he's giving that to Tipper in the divorce!