Since both of Alabama's U.S. Senators are Republicans , I fully expect them to take stands for industry and against government spending. "Privatize!" is generally their war cry. The only regular exception comes with government spending in Alabama. Senator Richard Shelby in particular is under fire for supporting NASA spending in North Alabama over the private for-profit space industry. NASA wants to use $150 Million of the $400 Million the agency received from the stimulus bill to help the commercial (i.e. private) development of vehicles to get from here (Earth) to there (the space station). Shelby says no. A panel named by President Obama to draw up plans for the future of America in Space held it's first hearing yesterday, and the big question is the public/private debate. The Senator's official Senate page doesn't show any news releases about NASA in almost two years, and his official statement on NASA funding is basically a re-statement of his support for spending tax dollars in North Alabama. In April, Shelby told a meeting of the Huntsville Times editorial board there simply isn't enough money available for NASA to continue funding three big projects: the space station, the shuttle, and the Aeres Rocket development, which is a MSFC project. Any guess which one he does not want to cut?
But perhaps that's just an Alabama elected official doing his job:
representing Alabama's interests and bringing home the bacon...
representing Alabama's interests and bringing home the bacon...[NOTE: You can find chatter about this issue on an unofficial site called "NASAWatch".]
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Been studyin' on how to respond to this one.
ReplyDeleteBein' I'se a Madison county man, it'd be natcherul fer me to that.
However, I can't figure out if I want to blast
1.) NASA and it's former administrator (now on a high six-figure salary at UAH - there's a whole 'nother Can-O-Worms - with it's new IMO idiot pres.);
2.) Shelby (an easy target);
3.) Sessions (a much easier target);
-OR-
4.) any combination of the above.
Thank you! I'll choose 4. Final answer.
Huntsville industry feeds, in largess part, upon guvmint con - tracks. Yup... con.
Sure, there are liars, thieves and swindlers. But that's not all of 'em. The rest have tunnel vision.
They're the only things that matter!
No other government aided program matters. None!
Weapons, etc.
It just makes me want to puke.
And I'm a veteran, AND believe in a strong military.
And, I gotta' go! So, I'll finish this later!
Well... I wrote that I'd finish it later, so here's my chance.
ReplyDeleteIdeologically, the "do more with less" crowd often can be found cavorting with Republicans. However, Shelby's and Sessions' advocacy is, or could be seen as "being strong on defense." It's not. It's pork.
Sure, all government contractors around these parts know what side their bread's buttered on, and they stroke that side continuously. It doesn't matter who's in office, or what party they're affiliated with.
It's ALL government money.
Sure, every representative and senator wants to "bring home the bacon" for their state and district. But as you point out, Tim, it's inconsistent with what has become part of the essential Republican message... "no new taxes" but spend (y)our tax dollars in our district and state.
It IS inconsistent, and that's the best that could be said.
The president has acknowledged that NASA has, for too long, languored without a clear mission, or any mission! (Remember the previous administration wanted to send man to Mars? Idiot.) So, he appointed a NEW administrator. The previous one is now getting a high six-figure salary at UAH. (Idiot new UAH president. Idiot!)
On top of that, the old NASA admin was reported to openly argue in harsh terms with the incoming Obama team who were on a mission to observe for deficiencies and save the people's money. (Can you say "damn fool"?)
Now, the old NASA admin has openly criticized the President! (Can you say "sour grapes"?) What is it with these former "leaders" that are shooting off their mouth as if they brushed their teeth with gun powder? I don't understand why they're behaving so badly. No others have done so under any previous administration!
Good riddance, eh?
But I've digressed.
I suppose if I were to ask any ten random people in Huntsville what NASA has given them (as a sample of the American people), I dare say I'd get the following responses:
1.) Tang;
2.) freeze-dried coffee;
3.) insulated pizza bags;
4.) I don't know.
And, I presume, most would respond "I don't know."
Sure. NASA has had some piss-poor publicity, and not just for a decade.
But YOU tell me... what IS NASA's mission?