Hmmmmm, this tack is often taken by the political left (not wanting to resort to strawmen, of course) who tend to overlook the TRILLIONS (as opposed to mere "billions" on defense) spent on their OWN pet projects (various cogs on the ponderous wheel of the welfare state) over the last few years and decades. Of course, they label these "vital social services" etc as if defense of the nation isn't vital. O-kaaaaaaaaaaay.

Thing is, some begrudge the billions "wasted" on space that could have paid for more homeless shelters or hospital operations or a cure for cancer (or whichever issue spins their wheels). Maybe they all have a point (and maybe they don't), but does the government do ANYTHING right and well, efficiently and productively, getting value for money, more bang for your buck etc, whether it's building space stations or teaching children to read?

This thread could really get off space, so I'll finish by saying pointing the finger at the military and blaming them for us not having orbital hotels, lunar bases and manned missions to Jupiter is utterly pointless, since no-one has a time machine, a crystal ball or god-like powers to change the past or see alternative timelines. What-ifs, should-haves and if-onlys (if-onlies?) don't address how we can get from the HERE and NOW to the glorious and wondrous future in space we all yearn and hope for.