WARNING: PORTIONS OF THIS POST MAY BE INTERPRETED TO BE OFF-TOPIC AND SUBJECT TO S.D.C RULES OF ENGAGEMENT <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />Hi Jon<br /><br />Regarding privatization of space<br /><br />aw c'mon boo boo, don't feel too neg about public opinion. Fortunately, it has little to do with longterm planning -- witness the largescale public opp to the Iraq mess, we're going to be there for a long time whether we like it or not. Likewise, until private industry grabs a serious toehold, NASA will still pioneer the future technology. In fact, privates taking on challenges like a manned <br />Mars mission may be the way to go, since the risk will be so high. Imagine the political fallout if we lost some astronauts attempting a Mars mission? How many years did it take to resume simple shuttle flights after Columbus?<br /><br />Regarding kids doing web design<br />okay, i'm 43y.o. so anyone under 40 is a kid to me, lol. The problem is the stifling nature of hardened bueaucracy, not the limitations of a 21-yr-old college grad.<br /><br />ESA releases its info with all the assumed encumbrances of an overpopulated state government. "Before releasing any raw material to the public, we must be sure that our scientists have first dibs on the material..." goes their statement. Phooey! Time is OF THE ESSENCE. We are all in this together, let's share the info imediately. I definitely take the Libertarian/non-invasive govt position on info sharing, as well as other issues such as smoking in bars [even though I don't smoke tobacco] and legalization of drugs [okay, I do smoke a little herb now and then] <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#ff0000"><em><strong>I'm a recovering optimist - things could be better.</strong></em></font> </p> </div>