corrente

UPI (such as they are) has detail on the Cheney-driven, secret deliberations leading up to Bush's moondoggle announcement. But, for some reason, getting the program underway won't be a cakewalk. Gwyneth Shaw of the Orlando Sentinel:

President Bush's vision for the space program is aimed at stirring inspiration among Americans. But some, in the wake of his speech last week, are asking a more mundane but pressing question: Why?

Why indeed? Let's review. The moondoggle:

• Gives aWol a bump in the polls; lots of headlines using the words "bold" and "vision"


• Makes a good theme for the SOTU, especially after last year's lie-filled fiasco


• Lots of money promised to Texas ('nuff said) and Florida (Jebbie's swing state)


• Takes the first step in the PNAC's mandate to militarize space

What's not to like?