Christ man. Do you have to reply to every sentence?
You don't have to either.
I don't need a prosthetic limb, so...Seriously, you can't assume we would have to do without any of them. For all we know, some corporation would have developed these technologies if the government didn't.
Did you even bother to read through the spin-off article I provided? If you're not going to make a serious effort to learn from others, then what's the point of this discussion? It's a very interesting read, and very informative, at least set aside some time to give it a serious perusal.
Moreover, you're neglecting the time aspect of these innovations. Wouldn't you rather have ventricular pumps sooner rather than later? I know people waiting for heart transplants do, but I guess they don't matter?
Indeed. God bless compound interest. Joking aside, if it was vitally needed, it would be produced from the market.
What do you mean by "vitally needed"? No one really "needs" indoor plumbing, or computer technology, or any number of things we use on a daily basis. They may not be "vitally needed" but they are certainly "vitally important".
Also, are you making this argument as a devil's advocate, or as a serious proponent of the free market? Because if it's the former, you can stop right now, since I'm not one of these "free-market = God" conservatives you seem intent on smiting.
So not going there and you know what I meant.
I know what you meant, but using CO2 emissions as an example was not the way to go about making your point. You could have talked about carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide instead.
Damn you sensible conservatives.
Now we're getting somewhere.
Oh, an MBA. Explains your high and mighty attitude.:mrgreen:
High and mighty? I prefer "imperious".
I'm not sure if it's really another argument. If the choice was run a deficit or pay for a space program, what would you choose?
Why can't I just cut spending elsewhere? Is that not an option?
Here's 167 million we can use right off the bat...
National Endowment for the Arts Appropriations History
When did you offer your humble opinion? I don't remember that happening. And at first I thought your deference was a sign of respect, but I'm starting to sense some sarcasm. Could just be me.
You asserted the "luxury" of space exploration, and I said it was up for debate, but you exercised your imperial powers.
If I seem to recall...
Indeed. Microbrew or are you one of "those" conservatives?
I can appreciate all beers. I'm multifaceted.
Yeah. I'll make sure I cut you in when I do so.
You could handle the "financial aspects", and let me run the company. I'd offer you a 20% return... : )
Mmm...nah. I mean really, other than some chest-puffery, the only organizations we really have to worry about are terrorists. I don't see them getting to space any time soon. Like him or hate him, Obama is mending ties with Russia and China, the only possible threats we have on that frontier.
Totally knew you were a Treky, by the way.
That's a very narrow view on something that is extremely complex and far-reaching; in the long term, manned space exploration is "vital" to our society's prosperity and security. We can't sacrifice every long term goal just because we have short term problems right now. Americans act like society is just the hardest thing ever; they're always complaining about something that's literally trivial to billions of other people.
Ughh, my Civic got a flat! Call the Feds!
I'm more of a Star Wars guy, anyway.
A socialist program does not a socialist government make. Public health care is hella socialist. I would still consider the US capitalist, even after we passed it.
Capitalism is just private property rights and wage labor. Socialism is the radical overthrow of the bourgeois and government by the proletariat. I don't advocate for the radical overthrow of anyone, so I'm not going to admit I support "socialist" programs. Young people!