The public is supporting NASA. Frankly, I think most of the public
always has. I've yet to meet someone who is vehemently opposed to
space exploration. Most people think it is interesting at the least.

I also think that the US government missed a real oppurtunity to
recapture some of that enthusiasm that existed during the 1960's. Set
the wayback machine to the mid 90's. Hubble was repaired with a
brilliant EVA and bringing back pretty pictures. Apollo 11 was 25
years old. The movie "Apollo 13" was very popular. NASA scored big
with Pathfinder and Sojourner. The press, usually very negative about
space exploration, was finally willing to admit that Apollo was more
important than Woodstock. John Glenn was in training. Astronauts were
heroes again. I really think the public wanted more of what we had in
the 60's and less of endless studies and viewgraphs.

But yet our elected leaders and appointed officials didn't feel the
groundswell. NASA bungled some Mars missions. ISS started to overun.
Suddenly it was like the 70's all over again. By the time John Glenn
got his second ride, it was all over.

Gene