why outer space?

>
> When it comes to your suggestions regarding the space
> program; what do you think about privatizing NASA as a
> means for reaching their cost cutting goals? They
> have produced a lot of marketable technology in the
> past, maybe they could become self-supporting.
>

What is going to stop a privatized NASA from abandoning space all
together and focusing on its 'core competencies'. What should be done
is the marketable technology from NASA should be leased out with the
royalties going to NASA instead of being given away by politicians, or
leased with the money going to Congress.

How much money does the US governement get from Royalties. Almost all
that technology research came out of NASA or the military. Also many
Universities are given grants to develop a technology for the
governement and then turn around and patent it themselves. This is
normal procedure for many private industries as well where a
government contract means free RandD.

Bill