Does anyone ever remember seeing an article with a headline NASA is very happy with their budget, and promises to exceed all expectations this year ? In fact, they are so happy that they actually want to give some of it to starving students or scientists or something.
After all, by any reasonable estimation, they are still getting more money than any other civil space agency put together.
Its a well put together article, but its not really saying anything new, and most of its readers will totally take away the point “oh, NASA doenst have enough money ? – Neither do we !”
Well, they have enough money that outreach to the Islamic world is their top priority, right?
Seriously, though, their portfolio is too big, dollars are spread too thin, and sacred cows have eaten the seed corn for the next 5-10 years. Add a lack of direction, and behold!–today’s (and tomorrow’s) NASA.
I feel for the many very dedicated, talented people there who must be frustrated as hell.
Jeff,
Anyone with two braincells to rub together, and any familiarity with what NASA is actually doing knows that “outreach to the Islamic world” is not, and has never been their top priority. There’s a certain point at which repeating blatantly wrong conventional wisdom labels you a yokel. You’re straying dangerously close to that line.
~Jon
Jeff,
Sorry for posting without reading the rest of your comment. I’m straying dangerously close to the line of being a hotheaded loudmouth. 🙂
~Jon
Apology accepted, Captain Needa.
The serious part was the part after “seriously, though.”
I’ve never seen any evidence that it’s even a low priority, other than Bolden’s stupid interview with Al Jazeera.
To find such an article you’d probably have to check microfilm from 1965 or 1966.
Good point. They did really have a blank check back then, didnt they ?
Does anyone ever remember seeing an article with a headline NASA is very happy with their budget, and promises to exceed all expectations this year ? In fact, they are so happy that they actually want to give some of it to starving students or scientists or something.
After all, by any reasonable estimation, they are still getting more money than any other civil space agency put together.
Its a well put together article, but its not really saying anything new, and most of its readers will totally take away the point “oh, NASA doenst have enough money ? – Neither do we !”
Well, they have enough money that outreach to the Islamic world is their top priority, right?
Seriously, though, their portfolio is too big, dollars are spread too thin, and sacred cows have eaten the seed corn for the next 5-10 years. Add a lack of direction, and behold!–today’s (and tomorrow’s) NASA.
I feel for the many very dedicated, talented people there who must be frustrated as hell.
Jeff,
Anyone with two braincells to rub together, and any familiarity with what NASA is actually doing knows that “outreach to the Islamic world” is not, and has never been their top priority. There’s a certain point at which repeating blatantly wrong conventional wisdom labels you a yokel. You’re straying dangerously close to that line.
~Jon
Jeff,
Sorry for posting without reading the rest of your comment. I’m straying dangerously close to the line of being a hotheaded loudmouth. 🙂
~Jon
Apology accepted, Captain Needa.
The serious part was the part after “seriously, though.”
I’ve never seen any evidence that it’s even a low priority, other than Bolden’s stupid interview with Al Jazeera.
To find such an article you’d probably have to check microfilm from 1965 or 1966.
Good point. They did really have a blank check back then, didnt they ?