Looks like Lockheed's got another winner. (I just hope it isn't the
last manned fighter aircraft...)

It absolutely boggles my mind that those that can justify the massive
expenditures on aircraft with absolutely no purpose are at the same time
opposed to supporting NASA.

Well, if we're going down *that* road, I must agree with you. The Raptor
is an amazing, awe-inspiring aircraft, and I'm glad it's been built -- but I
would have rather spent the money on a replacement for the Space Shuttle.

Or a Mars landing.

Of course, in 15 years, when China (or a nuclear armed Iran) is invading
someone, I'll be probably be plenty glad we've got the F/A-22.

Lyndon Johnson tried to have both "guns and butter" (Viet Nam and Apollo) --
and started our long, death spiral of deficit spending. Our current awful
deficit can be traced directly to the 1960s (with a few years off in the
booming '90s). Apollo lost out (as did all space exploration) when it
became apparent that more Americans supported the culture of entitlement
than supported the culture of exploration.

Just look at the recently passed transportation bill to see the ultimate
example of government waste and stupidity. Let's hope a future Congress can
do something about the problem -- the guys and gals that are there now have
shown that they clearly have no clue.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"