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
> project paperclip
>
> 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