Comments on: Hutchison to remain in the Senate

By: Doug Lassiter

Doug Lassiter — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:04:50 +0000

OK, we’re talking about a Governor, not a Queen. So what KBH would do in Texas would be over the next, say, four years. Not over a lifetime. A commercial space industry won’t “take off” in four years. Not clear if anything will be taking off in four years. The question is what a sitting governor could do *now*. Perhaps nothing. I would like to believe that a governor with some commitment and creativity might be able to think beyond that.

If KBH gets the governorship and sits on her hands until commercial space takes off, that would be a disappointment.

By: Robert G. Oler

Robert G. Oler — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:43:07 +0000

Doug. if “space” and the industries that accompany it ever become more then government (federal) lackies state governors will have an enormous impact on the space industry.

At some point if a commercial space industry ever takes off then it will be no different in terms of competition for “settling” in a state then say Home Deport, Cessna aircraft, etc. Gov’s can negotiate deals on land (ie the taxes) clear the way with local folks etc.

Right now space is no different then the Federal Prison system. The people who work in them and the facilities are little islands of federal soveregitny (with kudos to Bush the last) in a states geographical area…and the Gov’s have little to do with it.

But that could change

Kay will be a great gov, the Queen of Texas

Robert G. Oler

By: Doug Lassiter

Doug Lassiter — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:14:24 +0000

I can’t help but wonder what it would be like for Texas to have a governor who has substantial background and interest in NASA and space efforts, which KBH certainly has. I can’t think of any governor who has had her depth of understanding in this matter. At least recent Texas governors have not had any substantial background or interest. My understanding is that George Bush never even visited JSC as governor, and Rick Perry may have done so once. Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist have been more conspicuous with regard to KSC. Rick Perry was notably absent in the kickoff of the Aerospace Alliance last week, though Haley Barbour, Bobby Jindal and Bob Riley were present.

This brings up the question of what roles a governor can play in helping to advance (admittedly federal) goals in space exploration. If little or none, then KBH’s departure from the Senate will be all the more unfortunate for advancement of space efforts.

By: Robert G. Oler

Robert G. Oler — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:25:04 +0000

Totally off topic

Amsat Oscar 7 made its 35th anniversary in space, working this weekend. Burned the translator hard on both Mode A and B this weekend…The grand old lady

Robert G. Oler

By: Robert G. Oler

Robert G. Oler — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:24:10 +0000

I would still vote for you Bill…lool

Robert G. Oler

By: Bill White

Bill White — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:08:50 +0000

That would be that other Bill White

JFTR

By: Robert G. Oler

Robert G. Oler — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:55:36 +0000

this is appropriate.

(as an aside I am a supporter OF KBH for election to the Gov and Bill White to take her place in the Senate.)

Robert G. Oler