Today is the 40th anniversary of the moon landing.
Even though I was only 6 at the time, I remember thinking of Michael Collins “All that way and he had to stay in the capsule” as Neil Armstrong and (Edwin) Buzz Aldrin got to land on the moon.
I know there are those who feel that as a country there are more important things than space exploration to spend money on. No doubt. But as a child I recall the race to the moon as a time when we had a common goal, and celebrated this achievement with an excitement greater than that of a city celebrating their winning sport team, because this was an entire country reaching its goal.
I completely agree. I was 16 and a rebellious hippie, but I was as mesmerized as my more conventional friends. It was an awesome accomplishment and lit up scientific inquiry for the decade before and after.
Yes, there are more pressing needs to be met, but I don’t believe we lack the means, just the commitment, to do it all.
Thanks for your post.