I am sure you could square such expenditures, along with funding for pure science research, with some sort of conservative philosophy, but that is not my big worry right now.

I’m OK with that approach, but I do have my biases having worked in the unmanned satellite biz for a while.

Problem is that arguments over spending for space exploration have gone on for probably 40 years, and I don’t see any party with a clear vision on the topic dating back to days of JFK. This latest tempest, not the first time not the last and KBH’s legislation is really just a band aid on the larger problem.

Philosophically, there is a real argument over the conservative principles which support Federal expenditures on any exploration unless they fall under some notion of defense of the nation. I’ve never read a good treatise on the topic, if you’ve got links, I’d like to read it.

There is that point too, how you value space exploration as a function of federal spending. I’m all for it, if the work and the science is good, not so much if it’s not.

For those reasons, I’ve never been a big fan of the ISS, and I am torn about shutting down the shuttle. Leaving the only man rated space transport system to Space to the good graces of the Ruskies, bothers the heck out of me.

This might be good politics but not good for the nation. And every one in congress is busy trying to do the same thing while we sink even further.

The is a history where Kay is concerned…one which I have personal experience….again…she’s a liar and an opportunist….

You’ll get your wish…she’s not going to resign…I said so six months ago…and she’s not going to retire in 12 either…so you don’t have to worry about your job…and she’ll be there to sell us all out later….so don’t worry.

http://www.rlc.org/2008/12/22/sen-brownback-to-keep-term-limits-pledge/

As Mbecker pointed out, Mean Bob Dole retired to run for the Presidency, and I had forgotten that.

Mean Bob Dole gave up his seat, to do what? Oh I looked it up to run for President. Well I didn’t know that, thanks.

OK, Fred was a man of his word, and did not run again after saying he was retiring, that I respect and you have a point.

But give up their seat with two years left on the term because of campaign promises, heck you only do that if you’re a Governor and you’ve done three years…..:)

Can you name me one politician, just one that made this kind of promise that kept it, just one? I can’t think of one, but I won’t mind being wrong.

Maybe in the perfect world of Eeyore Republicans there is a perfect political who has kept their word always, but the rest of politicians are humans who like to hang on to their jobs, perks and power. I’m never shocked by anything a political will do to hang on, heck many who know better will probably pander to the Eeyore Republicans to keep their seat.