You've gotta give it to Newt Gingrich--he does know how to cause a stir. Most likely, even after a long 2012 campaign, his idea of a moon colony will be the one proposal that is remembered most.  Now I want to be clear--I'm not bashing Newt, nor am I belittling the space program.  I've always supported NASA and believe that great things have been accomplished through this agency.  There is a framed photo on my office wall of the space shuttle Challenger sitting on the launch pad at sunset, and who among us hasn't swelled with American pride at each launch, beginning with STS-1 on April 12, 1981, and ending this past year.  But a moon colony?  Now?

During the spring of 2009 I had the privilege of traveling to Huntsville, Alabama, as a chaperone for my daughter's class as they attended space camp.  Loved it!  I believe that I may have learned more than she did.  One thing I learned was how diverse the International Space Station (ISS) was.  That is, of course, why they call it "International," even though NASA has carried most of the payload while the American taxpayers have paid the freight.   Yes, I know Russia delivered some components, but America has paid a high price for the benefit of the many.  Additionally, we were told of the mineral-rich possibilities of a moon colony with the abundance of helium-3.  So I wonder how long until this proposed  "American" colony becomes an international colony?  Paid for by the already over-taxed citizens of the good ole USA.  Newt has once again made a grandiose proposal, but the pocket book of Americans is already a little stretched and feeling anything but grand.

Over the last few years I have traveled around our state and nation talking to people and listening to their thoughts and concerns.  We are a great nation that can do great things.  People recognize that, but they also have a sense of reality. That reality being that we are in difficult times as a nation.  Millions out of work or on reduced work schedules, cost of living going up, a government that doesn't understand just how difficult it is for many of our fellow citizens to just make ends meet. As for myself, we've had to cut back as a family on spending, and I have hundreds of friends and acquaintances who have done so, as well.  Some, indeed too many, are struggling just to hang on to their home!  I can assure you a moon colony is not on their agenda.

It is definitely a grandiose plan.  Big, bold, brash--all in a Newt sort of way.  I could appreciate a President who has a bold vision.  I would appreciate one even more who has a sense of reality.  We've gone over 1,000 days without a federal budget, trillions in debt, our nation's credit rating has been downgraded, and NOW a serious Presidential candidate wants to colonize the moon?  That may play well in electoral-vote-rich Florida, where many space workers have been laid off, but for a huge number of the rest of America, it may be too grand.  Big new federal space programs are not what people are hoping for.  It may be a great idea, but now is not the time.