Long-term planning (an unfortunate lack, thereof)

In a message dated 6/8/01 10:21:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
hollroa@... writes:

<< A country like this could easily afford a $2-3billion/year space program.
A $50-$100billion space investment, over a period of five years could be
achieved if it were deemed important to the nation.
For this nation in particular, a $15 billion per year space investment
(about the same as the NASA budget) would represent
about 2.8% of the government revenue. This could be achieved at a push.

It would seem that Germany, Britain, France, A Belgo-Dutch partnership or
any one of the G8 countries could fulfil the O'Neill vision if they had a
particuarly visionary leader or a big kick in the arse. Most European
nations seem to be suffering from a national lethargy, when it comes to
space expenditures.

Tony
>>

Germany is the one that stands out. Where did all their rocket scientists go?
The Germans need to detach themselves from their Grandfather's legacy, if
someone tries to shame them for starting World War II, they should say we all
have black sheep in the family. I think the Germans are well positioned to
give those French and Russians their come-uppance. I know those from the East
would be glad to show those Russians a thing or two after ruining their lives
and oppressing them for 40 years.

Tom Kalbfus