[commieneko]

My problem isn't that the seats are Russian, it's that we've let our space program wither away to nothing. I don't mind competition in space industry, what I mind is that our government, and industry, leaders simply can't be bothered.

[w1ntermute]

> it's that we've let our space program wither away to nothing

Maintaining a space program is a very expensive proposition, and given the enormous amont of debt the government possesses, I'd say it was a wise decision to shut the whole thing down.

[nitrogen]

Unfortunately, the space program is a trivial amount compared to what's actually consuming the budget: defense and welfare.

Since the risk of this thread devolving into a federal budget debate expands exponentially with every post, I propose leaving the subject for another time and place.

[commieneko]

Non having a working space program will likely be an even more expensive proposition. Theres nothing wrong, in my opinion, with governments being involved in high speculative, but highly valuable infrastructure development.

[dennisgorelik]

Competition implies that less efficient providers are losing customers. US government is making wise move by cutting expenses that way.