Many people object to government-funded space exploration because, well, what’s out there but a bunch of big rocks with small rocks on them? And the tremendous expense.
While the tremendous expense part is true, the “just rocks” part isn’t so much. Our knowledge of the universe is expanding thanks to space exploration. Also thanks to space exploration, we have gained information and technology helpful to improving human life here on Earth.
But, yes, there are hungry people on our very own planet. And the money could go to feeding them. How could a moral people choose one over the other?
Because the choice is not, “If A, then no B; if B then no A.” The choices are almost fully separate. Do we care to fund A? Do we care to fund B?
As for feeding the hungry, the problem is not money spent elsewhere, it’s the level of care people have for actually doing it. That’s the real issue. Sadly so.
[photo thanks to NASA]
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