Proud

I have a great affection for the space program. I have been as eager follower of all the doings at NASA since I was a kid. I was always into space more than I was into nature, though my concern for the environment and awe of nature is expansive too.

Yesterday, my drive to the jobsite concurred with the landing of Discovery for which NPR had live coverage. I was brought to tears on multiple occasions as I tooled down the highway, mostly for reasons that defy explanantion.

The logical side of me says that we're wasting money on manned missions that could be spent on inproving healthcare and a million other things that have an immediate and presonal impact on people in this country. The same logical side knows that the Republicans in charge would not use the money for good, but would instead give it to the rich or as tax breaks to corporations with record profits and little incentive to do the right thing. Even still, we're talking about an ideal world in a way, so my cynicism at their motives shouldn't weigh too heavily into the discussion.

But, there is something magically optimistic about a society that is willing to spend serious money on something that provides few tangible benefits, especially when costs are factored in. Space is a dream of future possibilities and the continuation of that dream makes me proud to be an American at a time when many other aspects of our culture make me wince.