Mars vs. Marriage

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on January 18, 2004). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

Money allocated by President Bush to increase NASA’s budget in order to encourage space exploration, a replacement for the Space Shuttle, finishing the International Space Station, establishing a manned base on the Moon, and planning for manned trips to Mars:

One billion dollars spread over the next five years.

Money allocated by President Bush in a planned drive to “promote traditional marriage values”:

One and a half billion dollars, apparently over a single year.

I guess we’ve all got to have our priorities, don’t we?

As a long-time science fiction geek, I’d really like to get excited about the new emphasis on space exploration and research, and even a little more budgetary increase is better than none. Somehow, though, it comes across to me as nothing more than election-year grandstanding than something that’s really going to have much impact.