"Derek Lyons" wrote in message
...
"jonathan" wrote:

There can be little doubt that the efforts of the US govt
to jump start commercial aviation has changed the
world substantially and for the better.

The military started off by providing the initial technology,
rikkety Jennys, and some daring pilots. But the govt provided
something else far more substantial to creating the
world-changing industry of commercial aviation.

A market! A cargo! The US Airmail.

So....what is the market/cargo for space?

Do keep in mind that the US Gov sponsored the Airmail program for
multiple reasons - of which 'jumpstarting the aviation industry' only
one, if not a side effect.


About those 'side effects'.

If we were to convince the world that the US will someday
become the world's largest energy ....producer....instead of
the largest ...consumer, how will that effect us today???

If I were a corporation and suddenly realized my largest
customer was not only planning to walk, but invent a
product that makes my company obsolete, I might try
to undermine the reasons for that project ASAP.

The only way to do that is for the oil producers to find
a way to lower oil prices and increase supply.

Which would quickly improve our economy and give
us more resources for such long term Visions.


Imagining the future can have dramatic 'side effects'
.....right away.


Oh, and another 'side effect' would be a solution to
that pesky global warming issue.

Oh, and those pesky wars over oil.

Oh, and that dependence on foreign countries
for our way of life, countries that so dearly love us.

Oh, and a renewed purpose and broad support
for Nasa.

Oh, and a new power source for space travel, exploration
and colonization

Oh, and an entire new high tech industry, needing
all kinds of engineers and scientists.

And perhaps the greatest single 'side effect'.

Living every day /now /knowing our future is as bright as the sun.
Instead of assuming, as most do now, that our future is
some version of post-apocalyptic nightmare.


In the real world a proper goal is everything. A goal
that shines generates the enthusiam and discoveries
needed to make it so.




Jonathan

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D.
--
Touch-twice life. Eat. Drink. Laugh.

-Resolved: To be more temperate in my postings.
Oct 5th, 2004 JDL