The Exploration of Space and the American Dream

AFP: Astronauts brace for emotional shuttle landing

Unfortunately, along with the shuttle, we are going to lose so much of our experience and expertise in space exploration. We are instead left with an uncertain future.

This uncertainty is due to no small part to a decade marked by a lack of leadership. We are beset by presidents more concerned with launching missiles to destroy our fellow human beings than with building the rockets that will help lift humankind up in a spirit of cooperation; more committed to spending hundreds of billions on destruction than a relative paltry sum on exploration; more focused on sending talented, devoted Americans off to be maimed and scarred forever, rather than on missions that leave us all with a legacy of hope and wonder.

We must demand a future devoted to our best instincts and values, rather than plagued with war and death.

The dream of space exploration has become inextricably woven into the American Dream. To lose it, we lose a piece of ourselves. For even though a relative few have ventured into the heavens, they have take all of us with them. Whether it's the display of bravery or the hope of discovery, the lure of the unknown or the frontiers of science, the human story or the history of the universe, we are drawn into the spectacular drama of it all. It embodies so much of the best of our values as Americans, as well as the best of humanity. Especially when the course is laid through the efforts of individuals heralding from all corners of our Earth.

In our fascination with spaceflight, we all capture a youthful spirit. As a kid, I was caught up in the fascination. The children of tomorrow should be able to be similarly inspired. Let us make it so.