Can we afford a mission to mars?

How about vests for our troops first?

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Bush plans moon missions
Jan. 9: President Bush is planning a permanent science base for astronauts on the moon, which as NBC's Bob Hager reports, has brought out both both romantics and cynics.

NEWSWEEK

updated 4:18 p.m. ET Jan. 12, 2004

George Bush is preparing to tell Americans that he wants to send a man to Mars. But, first, taxpayers are going to need to pick up the tab for an American-built rest stop on the moon. Now, even as somebody who grew up in a family worshipful of the Apollo space program, I must admit, I am baffled by the president‘s galactic strategy.

Moon targeted as future launch pad

We are, after all, a nation saddled with a $500 billion deficit and the largest federal debt in history. You know, the situation‘s gotten so bad that the Pentagon now can‘t even afford to keep our troops stocked with bullets and body armor, but more on that later.

For now, the president has a lot of explaining to do before he convinces Americans that we‘re ready to join him on $1 trillion trip to Mars. Why don‘t we just send our troops the $200 vests that will save their lives, and bring them back home from their journey overseas safely and in one piece?

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