Excuse my (mostly) incurable optimism, but could two successful private space launches in 9 days be something all Americans rally around together?
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Replying to @jimsciutto
Multi-billionaires seeking to escape a planet that is literally ravaged by systemic greed produces well-deserved cynical laughter. Optimism would be appropriate were they to do more to make things better for those here on earth.

Jul 20, 2021 · 2:24 PM UTC

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Replying to @marwilliamson
W/respect, many leveled exactly the same criticism at the moon landing in 1969. Then, the question was: why spend govt money on space when so many are suffering down here? Fair point. But does that apply to all exploration for all time? A matter of worthy debate not laughter
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I’m a huge fan of space exploration in general! It’s the billionaire boy toy element that is enraging: billionaires who could have done so much, did so little & even reaped such rewards during a time of collective agony now flaunt their fun before us & expect our congratulations.
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Replying to @marwilliamson @jimsciutto
The Apollo and subsequent space programs have given us huge benefits, including the technology & space-infrastructure to more deeply analyze how we’re mistreating the planet, and how to mitigate the worst effects of that we’re doing.
Replying to @marwilliamson @jimsciutto
Jeffy Appleseed, leading an effort to plant fruit trees in everyone’s front yard sounds doable.
Replying to @marwilliamson @jimsciutto
Is it possible the scientific discovery and invention it took to get safely to and from the outer atmosphere will be harnessed to do good on earth? I think it will.
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Replying to @marwilliamson @jimsciutto
I see dumb people that are bad with money, trying to tell smart people who are good with money how they should spend it...