Colonies on other planetary bodies

[valentino]

Do you believe that man will actually set up living on another planet or moon,ect.before Christ’s return?If not do you not think a lot of the money we spend on research is money wasted?Even though we stopped Nasa projects for rocket launches for the time being we haven/t stopped much of the research.Should we be investing in new telescopes and other things at this critical time when we don’t even know how secure we are right here on earth?Do these grants to astrologers to study whether this universe was just a happening and not from God worth our dollars?Should we spend so much money on medical research that even though we find new discoveries the use of these techniques are so expensive to treat patients that few can afford to pay for them?Thousands are on dialyisis for instance.It cost a fortune to keep these people alive and their lives are still not up to previous standards.Many are waiting for kidneys but most never recieve them aand they die waiting.Does all this make sense?

 

[Catholic90]

Do you believe that man will actually set up living on another planet or moon,ect.before Christ’s return?If not do you not think a lot of the money we spend on research is money wasted?Even though we stopped Nasa projects for rocket launches for the time being we haven/t stopped much of the research.Should we be investing in new telescopes and other things at this critical time when we don’t even know how secure we are right here on earth?Do these grants to astrologers to study whether this universe was just a happening and not from God worth our dollars?Should we spend so much money on medical research that even though we find new discoveries the use of these techniques are so expensive to treat patients that few can afford to pay for them?Thousands are on dialyisis for instance.It cost a fortune to keep these people alive and their lives are still not up to previous standards.Many are waiting for kidneys but most never recieve them aand they die waiting.Does all this make sense?

Do you have any idea how much knowledge, technology, and items we use currently were gained thanks to the space research program? Research it! It is amazing.

I am sure those who are on dialysis and their families are pretty thankful for the technology. “Previous standards”…pretty dangerous term there. Whose standards - yours? Likewise, those who do receive kidneys are pretty thankful.

Knowledge about anything is never a bad thing.

 

[Dale_M]

Do you believe that man will actually set up living on another planet or moon,ect.before Christ’s return?

Of course, we won’t know the hour or day of Christ’s return. We should live our moral lives as if he might return tomorrow, but we should plan our practical lives as if he won’t. Otherwise, why buy a house? Why save money for retirement? Why bother to get an education? Why even go to work?

Do these grants to astrologers to study whether this universe was just a happening and not from God worth our dollars?

Astrologers and astronomers are completely different. Astrologers make predictions about a person’s life based upon the Zodiac and such stuff. Astronomers are scientists who study the universe outside this planet. As a scientists, astronomers have nothing to say about God because God is not part of their field. However, that is also true for car repairmen too.

Should we spend so much money on medical research that even though we find new discoveries the use of these techniques are so expensive to treat patients that few can afford to pay for them?

I think that is a totally different question from your other two. You are asking whether advanced medicine is worth financing when millions (billions, worldwide) lack access to basic medical care. Its tough question to answer, but I don’t think the wealthy nations are willing to lower their standard of medical care to make sure that the people of impoverished countries have equal care. As for within a country, I think there is much to be said for a national health system which does treat people equally. In the US, I think we have seen how government programs which only serve the poor are often starved for money. However, people with the money to afford extra medical care also want to be able to buy it. Should the rich be offered longer lives simply because they can afford it?

Many are waiting for kidneys but most never recieve them aand they die waiting.

Which is very sad. However, not too many decades ago, those needing new kidneys wouldn’t have even had that option. Transplantation was only in science fiction. Today, not only are transplants available (even if the supply of organs is limited) but medical researchers are making progress toward artificially grown kidneys and other organs.

Scientific research, which leads to greater understanding and the development of new technology, is a good thing and well worth funding.

 

[GEddie]

A lot of the medical technology we have now comes directly from space research. The electronics that go inside human bodies began as items made small to fit inside space capsules, for example.

In any case, we must not, individually or collectively, abandon fields of effort that are useful simply because “Jesus is coming back.” Space exploration is useful to us, we are going to need space resources one day. And our LORD may not be back for millenniums yet.

ICXC NIKA.

 

[Catholic90]

Valentino, what is your alternative…just toe the line and keep the status quo?

New discoveries, new technology, new knowledge are always interesting and can be used for good!

People like Harold Camping sit around predicting and waiting for the end. Others who are also full of faith live life to the fullest, learning as much as possible and trying to make the world a better place. Who would you rather be like?

Don’t you think it makes a difference for those who receive the treatments and procedures? Also, what initially is very expensive often comes down in price over time or is paid by insurance. It was once unheard of to replace joints, fix hearts, do brain surgery…Now these are fairly common.

Do you know some of the joint replacement technology was gleaned from the space program? My father had 2 knees replaced about 20 years ago. He went from barely being able to walk due to pain to still hoofing it around (fairly fast) with ease at almost 80.

 

[Prophesy]

Do you believe that man will actually set up living on another planet or moon,ect.before Christ’s return?If not do you not think a lot of the money we spend on research is money wasted?Even though we stopped Nasa projects for rocket launches for the time being we haven/t stopped much of the research.Should we be investing in new telescopes and other things at this critical time when we don’t even know how secure we are right here on earth?Do these grants to astrologers to study whether this universe was just a happening and not from God worth our dollars?Should we spend so much money on medical research that even though we find new discoveries the use of these techniques are so expensive to treat patients that few can afford to pay for them?Thousands are on dialyisis for instance.It cost a fortune to keep these people alive and their lives are still not up to previous standards.Many are waiting for kidneys but most never recieve them aand they die waiting.Does all this make sense?

I really don’t believe the purpose of NASA is to colonize space. I think their purpose is research of varying degrees and areas.

One thing that I would like to see developed is more accurate and further ranged asteroid detection. Right now, we’re not working with a lot.

-Prophesy

 

[Bendzi]

To OP

Did you just finish reading Walker Percy’s “Lost in the Cosmos” ? Cause last night I did, and these are almost the exact questions he asks

 

[LaSainte]

The space program leaks money like a seive. Privatize it if you want to ge anything done for under a zillion dollars.

 

[The_Old_Medic]

You attempt to compare apples to boulders in your composition. Research into astronomy and space has saved many thousands of lives. The heart monitor was directly developed because of the need to track astronauts health while in space. Many other inventions came out of that program, things the both extended life and also things that made life better for a lot of people.

Scientific research ALWAYS pays off, and it often pays off in ways that were totally unanticipated.

Man as to explore. If he doesn’t, then he will no longer be man.

You mention kidney transplants specifically. It is NOT lack of money that keeps more people from getting a kidney transplant, it is the lack of kidneys. Only a small proportion of people are willing to donate organs (and even when they are, all too often their family denies this after death).

You seem to think that space research is a waste of money. Either you are essentially scientifically ignorant, or you simply do not want to look at the benefits that have come from that program.

I like the way my state deals with this issue. If a person states on their drivers license that they wish to be an organ donor, unless they check off a specific box, their family can NOT prevent the harvesting of organs upon death. The persons choice is what matters, not what the family wants.

 

[GEddie]

The American space program is essentially dead; yet nothing has been done with the money, released by throwing away the Shuttle, to help those with medical needs.

Basically, the attitude in the USA is, “Stand on your own two feet or die on your own two feet.” That’s the problem.

How does gutting the space program make more kidney transplants available, anyhow?

ICXC NIKA.

P.S. We will sorely regret throwing away the Space Shuttle when we will need the solar collectors in space, and be unable to build them.

 

[Rolltide]

Do you believe that man will actually set up living on another planet or moon,ect.before Christ’s return?

I think this is highly likely. I think that some alive today may even see the beginnings of this with some kind of a permanently manned base on the moon, although this would be more akin to the International Space Station than some kind of colony, at least this century.

If not do you not think a lot of the money we spend on research is money wasted?Even though we stopped Nasa projects for rocket launches for the time being we haven/t stopped much of the research.

No, it’s not wasted at all. The only reason the shuttle has come to an end is because it’s a 30 year old space vehicle that runs on a computer with less calculating power than my pocket calculator. (Apollo had less computer power than my digital watch!) It was a great vehicle, but it’s time for a replacement. There will be a gap in American space flight for a few years while the next generation vehicle is developed, but we’re definitely continuing rocket projects. That said, the private sector has been catching up with NASA rapidly. Further, the things we use in our daily life that come from the space program are nearly endless. From highly technical developments like the personal computer and microwave ovens, to the mundane like instant drink mix and velcro, thousands of indispensable products have resulted.

Should we be investing in new telescopes and other things at this critical time when we don’t even know how secure we are right here on earth?

Yes. For one thing, satellites help us monitor our planet and make our daily lives possible. Imagine the world without communications or weather satellites!

Do these grants to astrologers to study whether this universe was just a happening and not from God worth our dollars?

First, astrologers are little more than fortune tellers. Astronomers study the universe scientifically. Further, they are not doing this research to discover whether God is “just a happening”. Much of their research has important tangible value. Even the more philosophical of their discoveries in no way disproves the existence of God.

Should we spend so much money on medical research that even though we find new discoveries the use of these techniques are so expensive to treat patients that few can afford to pay for them?

Is this the problem of the medical research, or the drug and insurance companies, hospitals, and governments that perpetuate high costs? In any case, over the years, prices inevitably fall for any kind of technology. Five years ago a flat screen TV was $2000. Today, you might be able to find one on sale under $300. The same holds true for most things in medicine (at least drug and technology related). The cost of the doctors themselves will always be somewhat high due to the huge investment in training that is necessary, and for their insurance.

Thousands are on dialyisis for instance.It cost a fortune to keep these people alive and their lives are still not up to previous standards.

And the alternative is… let them die in pain? Do we not have an obligation to preserve life if it is possible? Dialysis is bad, but is it literally a fate worse than death?

Many are waiting for kidneys but most never recieve them aand they die waiting.Does all this make sense?

No, but today, SOME survive, where as in the past, NONE did.

 

[Rolltide]

The American space program is essentially dead; yet nothing has been done with the money, released by throwing away the Shuttle, to help those with medical needs.

Except for the ENTIRE unmanned space program, our satellite program, and the massive development of the Orion vehicle that continues (simply without a firm destination). The new vehicle program is simply too far along to not finish it at this point.

How does gutting the space program make more kidney transplants available, anyhow?

Except the program’s funding HASN’T been gutted. In fact, it has actually increased slightly as work on the Orion space vehicle continues, and many new unmanned missions have been planned.

P.S. We will sorely regret throwing away the Space Shuttle when we will need the solar collectors in space, and be unable to build them.

What solar collectors are you referring to???

 

[valentino]

Do you have any idea how much knowledge, technology, and items we use currently were gained thanks to the space research program? Research it! It is amazing.

I am sure those who are on dialysis and their families are pretty thankful for the technology. “Previous standards”…pretty dangerous term there. Whose standards - yours? Likewise, those who do receive kidneys are pretty thankful.

Knowledge about anything is never a bad thing.

So you definitely feel we should continue those programs at this time a cut some place else?I know that we/ve learned much from space research but can we benefit now in the immediate future.Will these new discoveries be in time to help our economy before it bites the dust?when are economy is doing fine we spend,spend,spend until its gone.Well its long gone now.We’re in a pickle.

 

[valentino]

Of course, we won’t know the hour or day of Christ’s return. We should live our moral lives as if he might return tomorrow, but we should plan our practical lives as if he won’t. Otherwise, why buy a house? Why save money for retirement? Why bother to get an education? Why even go to work?

Astrologers and astronomers are completely different. Astrologers make predictions about a person’s life based upon the Zodiac and such stuff. Astronomers are scientists who study the universe outside this planet. As a scientists, astronomers have nothing to say about God because God is not part of their field. However, that is also true for car repairmen too.

I think that is a totally different question from your other two. You are asking whether advanced medicine is worth financing when millions (billions, worldwide) lack access to basic medical care. Its tough question to answer, but I don’t think the wealthy nations are willing to lower their standard of medical care to make sure that the people of impoverished countries have equal care. As for within a country, I think there is much to be said for a national health system which does treat people equally. In the US, I think we have seen how government programs which only serve the poor are often starved for money. However, people with the money to afford extra medical care also want to be able to buy it. Should the rich be offered longer lives simply because they can afford it?

Which is very sad. However, not too many decades ago, those needing new kidneys wouldn’t have even had that option. Transplantation was only in science fiction. Today, not only are transplants available (even if the supply of organs is limited) but medical researchers are making progress toward artificially grown kidneys and other organs.

Scientific research, which leads to greater understanding and the development of new technology, is a good thing and well worth funding.

Really i don’t believe one has more right to life saving care than another.One life is just as precious as the other.The beggar should get a heart just like a mogul.Well were going to have to cut somewhere.

 

[valentino]

Valentino, what is your alternative…just toe the line and keep the status quo?

New discoveries, new technology, new knowledge are always interesting and can be used for good!

People like Harold Camping sit around predicting and waiting for the end. Others who are also full of faith live life to the fullest, learning as much as possible and trying to make the world a better place. Who would you rather be like?

Don’t you think it makes a difference for those who receive the treatments and procedures? Also, what initially is very expensive often comes down in price over time or is paid by insurance. It was once unheard of to replace joints, fix hearts, do brain surgery…Now these are fairly common.

Do you know some of the joint replacement technology was gleaned from the space program? My father had 2 knees replaced about 20 years ago. He went from barely being able to walk due to pain to still hoofing it around (fairly fast) with ease at almost 80.

I was kinda thinking of my uncle when i mentioned dialysis.He was on it three years and he was always tired and had to spend 8hrs in the hospital 3 times a week to change his blood.He decided he’d had enough and they took him off and he died a day or two later.you can imagine the bill.Must have been many millions.thanks for your comments.

 

[GEddie]

Really i don’t believe one has more right to life saving care than another.One life is just as precious as the other.The beggar should get a heart just like a mogul.Well were going to have to cut somewhere.

Again. Human organs are not a commodity that can be increased financially. They are a limited physical resource that happens to be expensive because of the highly-paid surgeons, anesthesiologists, etc, that are needed to transplant them.

Even if the space program were completely gutted, it would not add one more heart, kidney, etc, to the supply. The issue of transplants is a dead end because for everybody who benefits, someone else has to die.

ICXC NIKA.

 

[valentino]

You attempt to compare apples to boulders in your composition. Research into astronomy and space has saved many thousands of lives. The heart monitor was directly developed because of the need to track astronauts health while in space. Many other inventions came out of that program, things the both extended life and also things that made life better for a lot of people.

Scientific research ALWAYS pays off, and it often pays off in ways that were totally unanticipated.

Man as to explore. If he doesn’t, then he will no longer be man.

You mention kidney transplants specifically. It is NOT lack of money that keeps more people from getting a kidney transplant, it is the lack of kidneys. Only a small proportion of people are willing to donate organs (and even when they are, all too often their family denies this after death).

You seem to think that space research is a waste of money. Either you are essentially scientifically ignorant, or you simply do not want to look at the benefits that have come from that program.

I like the way my state deals with this issue. If a person states on their drivers license that they wish to be an organ donor, unless they check off a specific box, their family can NOT prevent the harvesting of organs upon death. The persons choice is what matters, not what the family wants.

thanks for your comments.i guess my concern was this deal about people trying to figure out how this world came into existence.I like science but personally I think this research is kind of a waste of money when we consider how bad our economic system is .if we had a surplus I would possibly say go ahead.But this congress is having a terrible time figuring out where to cut.Anyway I don’t think we will ever knnow how this universe was created out of nothing by nobody.It might be interesting reading to some but if people want to discover these answers let them spend their own money .

 

[valentino]

I really don’t believe the purpose of NASA is to colonize space. I think their purpose is research of varying degrees and areas.

One thing that I would like to see developed is more accurate and further ranged asteroid detection. Right now, we’re not working with a lot.

-Prophesy

You have a right to be interested in asteroids.What are your reasons?If you’re one who believes that we might be hit and you want to be safe then I would say postpone till our country can afford it.thank for responding.

 

[Rolltide]

thanks for your comments.i guess my concern was this deal about people trying to figure out how this world came into existence.I like science but personally I think this research is kind of a waste of money when we consider how bad our economic system is .if we had a surplus I would possibly say go ahead.But this congress is having a terrible time figuring out where to cut.Anyway I don’t think we will ever knnow how this universe was created out of nothing by nobody.It might be interesting reading to some but if people want to discover these answers let them spend their own money .

Most modern economists, even the most fiscally conservative ones, agree with Adam Smith when he stated that there are some projects and ventures that are too expensive for private businesses or citizens to finance, but are worth funding by the government despite their cost. This is because they usually provide advances to society, new industries, long term financial gains, and because they answer fundamental questions about the universe. In his day and age, he was thinking of things like canal building and ocean exploration. Today, it’s things like space exploration, supercolliders, and some medical research. If we look back through history, you will find that no matter WHAT the political or economic climate, there are a few who think this is a waste of money. The truth is that such expense is hard to justify to people precisely because the benefits are almost always very long term. However, these projects almost ALWAYS advance society and business as well. For example, the Apollo spacecraft needed a tiny computer to guide it to the moon at a time when computers were the size of rooms. NASA contracted with IBM, and the miniature computer was born. This ONE development led to the entire personal computer and modern electronics industry, which provides millions of jobs and trillions of dollars in revenue worldwide now. I could present hundreds more such examples. In fact, you could argue that the technological developments of such a program could potentially create the jobs and industries that might help lead us OUT of the current financial crisis.

 

[Rolltide]

I’m also presuming you’re only arguing against the manned space program and deep space exploration, because the benefits of satellites are almost beyond mentioning…