This is nothing new. Solutions have been proposed and discussed on this board in your presence.

Of course the multiple technology use argument works both ways. That's obvious. My point has always been that the public is more interested in Mars simply because long term threats don't worry them much. Terrorism has been a much nearer term major threat for years and we ignored it too. Perhaps our government will now learn to think longer term once it deals with the issues at hand.

Feel free to promote space development from the impact standpoint alone, I'll do it from both. The only issue is whether a zeal for one cuts off your nose to spite your face by trying to undercut funding in other areas which actually have more public support and could benefit your cause indirectly.

Regards,
Mark