Henry Spencer ) wrote:
: In article ,
: Rand Simberg wrote:
: So, explain to me again why Kennedy's speech was a commitment...
: but that Bush's speech a year ago is not, when he's
: moved forward with it, and got his budget for it passed with a veto
: threat?

: Kennedy gave far more attention to his commitment *after* that first
: speech, mentioning it repeatedly and emphasizing its importance. He knew
: that he had to sell it to Congress and the public, and keep it sold year
: after year, if it was going to happen.

: Bush has been strangely silent on the subject, as if he was reluctantly
: talked into it and doesn't want to push it except when its real backers
: give him a "back it now or else" ultimatum. He has quite visibly *not*
: sold Congress or the public on the idea, and sooner or later that lack is
: going to be felt, especially since all the real action in his plan happens
: after he leaves office.

: Bush is president, not god-emperor -- his wishes are not irrevocable law.
: Congress can and will find a way to deny funding if he doesn't do more of
: a sales job.

Yes Rand, what Henry said!

Actually, Bush's father made a similar speech while he was president and
absolutely nothing became of it. I'm not convinced either Bush has a real
commitment space, and are only just committed to placating the NASA
folks in Houston. I really wish I am wrong on this but based upon results
thus far it doesn't look like it.

Eric

: --
: "Think outside the box -- the box isn't our friend." | Henry Spencer
: -- George Herbert |