The Democrats do something I agree with! And at the same time, something I don't!

lew · 01-31-2007, 03:39 PM

Weldon: Democrat Leadership Raids NASA Budget | SpaceRef - Your Space Reference

Weldon: Democrat Leadership Raids NASA Budget

If Enacted, Would Be Worst Cuts to Space Exploration Since 1993

Urges Senate to Reverse Irresponsible Choice by House Dems

In a fiscal year 2007 budget released today, the new Democrat majority proposed sweeping cuts to NASA's budget that could jeopardized the future of space exploration. U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon, M.D. (R-FL), who represents many workers from NASA and Kennedy Space Center, called the cuts draconian, saying the Democrat leadership is using NASA and our nation's space program as a piggy bank for other liberal spending priorities.

"The raid on NASA's budget has begun in earnest. The cuts announced today by House Democrat leaders, if approved by Congress, would be nearly $400 million less than NASA's current budget," said Weldon.

"Clearly, the new Democrat leadership in the House isn't interested in space exploration. Their omnibus proposal lists hundreds of new increases, including a $1.3 billion increase‹over 40% for a Global AIDS fund, all at the expense of NASA."

Much of the proposed cuts would come from NASA's Exploration budget, which includes funding for the new Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), the future replacement for the current shuttle fleet. According to Weldon, these particular cuts would jeopardize thousands of jobs in Florida, Alabama, and Texas.

Weldon today led a bi-partisan group of colleagues, including Reps. Ralph Hall (D-TX), and Tom Feeney (R-FL), in offering two amendments to the bill that would restore NASA's funding.

"Rank-and-file Democrats and Republicans alike are aghast at the treatment the Democrat Leadership has shown to NASA. To gut the exploration account in particular is clearly meant to be a stick in the eye to the President and the initiative he announced three years ago."

Speaker Pelosi is not expected to allow any amendments to today's omnibus bill, continuing the closed legislative process that has plagued the current Congress since its opening day. Consequently, Weldon said the future of NASA funding will likely hinge on the Senate.

"The Senate leadership, including Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), has yet to speak to the draconian cuts being proposed. I hope they're alerted to the message the House sent today and will propose funding in line with NASA's overall mission and the President's original request to ensure a smooth transition to the new launch vehicle."

I completely agree with slashing Nasa.

But $1.3 billion for AIDS? Give me a fucking break.

nbiggershaft · 01-31-2007, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by lew

Weldon: Democrat Leadership Raids NASA Budget | SpaceRef - Your Space Reference

I completely agree with slashing Nasa.

But $1.3 billion for AIDS? Give me a fucking break.

No offence, but cutting NASA's budget is the stupidest pandering bullshit for an American public with no scientific education whatsoever, who sit around on their couches and say, 'hell, what's NASA ever dun fer me (burp)"

archangel003 · 01-31-2007, 04:21 PM

So AIDS isn't a serious problem in this country? And since it isn't, it shouldn't be combated overseas to prevent/slow its spread?

Diseases and medical programs are one of the few things I agree with international funding for.

Pro Street · 01-31-2007, 04:34 PM

so many good things have come out of NASA's and JPL's research... advancements and understanding of who we are.

cutting funding FTL

ballz2wallz · 01-31-2007, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by archangel003

So AIDS isn't a serious problem in this country?

Yes, for our country it is. Compared to other countries, it's not quite as serious in this country.

And since it isn't, it shouldn't be combated overseas to prevent/slow its spread?

The spread of AIDS worldwide has little to no influence on the spread of AIDS in this country. We should focus on curing AIDS here, not there. Once it's fixed here, it'll be more easily fixed there.

6SpeedTA95 · 01-31-2007, 04:42 PM

Dumpy Dooby · 01-31-2007, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by nbiggershaft

No offence, but cutting NASA's budget is the stupidest pandering bullshit for an American public with no scientific education whatsoever, who sit around on their couches and say, 'hell, what's NASA ever dun fer me (burp)"

I can assure you that lew is against the government funding NASA because it's forcing people to fund something that has nothing to do with protecting individual rights. In other words, it's not a function of the government.

While he may have other reasons for not supporting it, I'm about 99% positive that's his main reason. I agree with that reason wholeheartedly.

Dumpy Dooby · 01-31-2007, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by archangel003

So AIDS isn't a serious problem in this country? And since it isn't, it shouldn't be combated overseas to prevent/slow its spread?

Oh, is that the logical conclusion based one's desire to not fund AIDS research? "I don't want to fund AIDS research." "Oh, so you don't think AIDS is a serious problem?!

"

The research into AIDS by the government is just an attempt to corner the market on its cure, should they find one. It's an attempt to compete with the pharmaceutical companies, which I don't think is a function of the government.

Diseases and medical programs are one of the few things I agree with international funding for.

That's wonderful. That's your personal belief. Now why do you think that you should be able to steal my money to force me to fund something that you personally believe in funding? Rather, don't you think it's a bit more fair to let those that share your personal belief gather around and pool their money to fund the research on their own accord? It seems as though the people that would be funding it, in that instance, would be more likely to make sure the money is being spent properly and efficiently.

People seem to neglect to think about their position from an outside perspective. So maybe you believe we should fund AIDS programs, and those are big and important and everything else. What if I believe that there should be more research into non-destructive means of repairing narrowed urethras? Currently, the solution is to remove part of the penis, put a permanent slice in the tip of the penis, or sometimes just simple circumcision will help. Personally, I don't think any of those are viable solutions, and there should be a lot more research into less painful and damaging options.

archangel003 · 01-31-2007, 05:03 PM

Medical research and contagious disease control is important to the imminent national security of this country. As such, it should be funded by the government.

Dumpy Dooby · 01-31-2007, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by archangel003

Medical research and contagious disease control is important to the imminent national security of this country. As such, it should be funded by the government.

I disagree. So now why should you have the privilege to steal my money and force me to fund something that I am against?

Scrum · 01-31-2007, 05:27 PM