ARTICLE: “One Way Up: U.S. Space Plan Relies on Russia,” by John Schwartz, New York Times, 6 October 2008.

NASA will have only the Russians to get us to the Space Station from 2010 to 2015. Trust the up-front estimate, but treat the backside one with great skepticism—especially given our finances. But at least we’re shelving—finally—our state-of-the-art (for the early 1970s—that is) space shuttles. Yet another reason to tune out would-be Archduke Ferdinands in the Caucasus. Meanwhile, the new Moon race is on: We promise to get back by 2020, but China may be there waiting for us. Gott in Himmel! There is no federal program I’d love to privatize more than NASA. Turn our nuts and rich dreamers loose, say I. Otherwise, we play down to our past—increasingly.