This week’s issue of the science journal Nature reviews the various candidates’ views on science issues, including space, summarized in a single table or a text version. These capsule summaries don’t provide many new insights for readers here, although you may learn that Democratic candidate Joe Biden “wants to make China a full partner in space exploration rather than a ‘frustrated new entrant’ that has to catch up with the United States.” Also, Republican candidate John McCain, after some initial skepticism, considers the Vision for Space Exploration “not only visionary, but doable.”
Zero information content, under space anyway. “Broadly support”, “Aggressively support”, “exploration”, “Absolutely committed”
Im reminded of honorable Imperial Chancellor Lord Dorwin visiting the Foundation in the early years, speaking about imperial support of Foundation for five days and carefully managing to say absolutely nothing in the process.
If only we had our own Salvor Hardin to make it evident.
Perhaps Joe Biden is in the same camp as the former Clinton administration which made sure China obtained the “full partner” technology that allowed it to perfect its MIRV ability and advance its submarine-launch ballistic program. Until China stops making Internet attacks against the Pentagon, stops aiming lasers at our satellites, and turns away over 600 ballistic missiles aimed at our democratic trade partner Taiwan, I at least feel China has no place working with our space program at all.
Mark Daymont: Clinton administration which made sure China obtained the “full partner†technology that allowed it to perfect its MIRV ability and advance its submarine-launch ballistic program
Give me a break. First, if it was done at all, it was two private companies that did this; the Clinton Administration had nothing to do with it. Second, by allowing use of Chinese rockets, the Clinton Administration was attempting to support the needs and desires of the commercial space industry. Had the Administration done the reverse, the other Mark here would be accusing them of being anti-commercial. Third, we are still paying for the Republican’s disastrous response (applying commercial satellites to ITAR controls), which is doing more to destroy our commercial space industry than anything the Democrats are likely to do.
— Donald
Donald F. Robertson: Give me a break. First, if it was done at all, it was two private companies that did this; the Clinton Administration had nothing to do with it.
Your claim is not supported by facts. The Clinton Administration issued a waiver in 1998 allowing the transfer of technology by Loral and Hughes that had been prohibited. This issuance interfered in the Justice department probe of the illegal sales. The Justice department clearly stated that this situation threatened U.S. security. This situation was well documented at the time.
History will not give the Clinton apologists any breaks.
Okay, in that case, Loral and Hughes did nothing wrong and should not have had to withstand the subsequent witch-hunt.
— Donald
Donald F. Robertson: Okay, in that case, Loral and Hughes did nothing wrong and should not have had to withstand the subsequent witch-hunt.
Unfortunately, your conclusion is again in error and contradicted by the facts. In 1998 the House committee chaired by Representative Chris Cox (R-California) turned in a 700 page report stating that the two companies damaged our national security by providing technological assistance that would benefit the Chinese ballistic missile program. The news media declared the panel’s efforts to be a rare show of bipartisanship effort.
Mark: So, let me get this right. The evil Clinton Administration relaxed the rules, “allowing the transfer of technology by Loral and Hughes that had been prohibited.” When two companies took advantage of this new rule, “the two companies damaged our national security by providing technological assistance that would benefit the Chinese ballistic missile program.”
Meanwhile, let me draw you to this first paragraph of a story from yesterday’s New York Times,
WASHINGTON — Six months ago, the Bush administration quietly eased some restrictions on the export of politically delicate technologies to China. The new approach was intended to help American companies increase sales of high-tech equipment to China despite tight curbs on sharing technology that might have military applications.
At best, this is a bipartisan crime.
— Donald
Donald F. Robertson: At best, this is a bipartisan crime.
Dang Right.
I’m not trying to just pick on the Clinton administration, just the defense of it’s dealings with the Chinese. The Senior Bush administration had its problems as well.
[…] positions on space, but, like the others, didn’t get a response from. The journal Nature had a little more success in early January, reporting that he “wants to make China a full partner in space rather than a […]