To the Moon, Dubya! Or Not . . .

Apparently the public's appetite for the space program doesn't match the President's. According to a poll reported on CNN.com, the public is equally divided, 48% to 48%, in support of and against Dubya's plan to establish a base on the Moon as a jumping off point for a manned expedition to Mars. While I understand the main sentiment of those opposed - it's too expensive, particularly in these times of a bad economy and the occupation of Iraq - I think it would be a wonderful thing. Yes, we lack the technology to make it a reality today. But did we have the tech needed to get to the Moon when JFK proposed we go there? Nope. It could spur the next great technological age. Or it would be a huge boondoggle. Who know.

The most disturbing aspect of the poll, however, is the shift in support from Democrats depending on the label given the program. Democrats oppose a "United States" plan at just over 50%, while they oppose a "Bush administration" plan by almost 2 to 1. C'mon guys! Even a broken watch is right twice a day. :)