Random Rant: Space Travel

Saw an article in the paper about how space travel is a waste of money and how it could be spent on problems here on Earth. Let me explain why my point of view is different:

1. We spend much more money on crap like DVD players or atomic weapons down here than we spend up there. Let's face it, if they cancel the space program, the money won't be going to starving kids in Africa: it'll be going to subsidies or the military.
2. What happens when Earth runs out of resources? There's a finite amount of (iron/copper/whatever) down here on Earth, and that won't last forever. Better we have a space presence now than wish for one when we run out of resources.
3. Finite amount of space on Earth too. If the population continues to increase, people will want to move offplanet.
4. Velcro, computers, some medical technique that I can't remember: the invention of all is due to the space program.

Okay, a short and concise post for a long and complex topic. Oh well.

Viva La Orbitale!

-The Lone Amigo