" why bother? What’s the big deal about being third in space, behind Washington and Moscow?"

Considering the "first two" haven't done much lately, a strong third party could easily take the lead.

"China’s goal of putting a man on the moon will be, er, “astronomically expensive.” At a time when Beijing is scrambling to feed and house hundreds of millions of poor farmers and laid-off workers, such a drain on the national income seems extravagant at best."

Spain was bankrupt in 1492, should they have said no to Columbus? Look at the riches they acquired as a result of taking a chance. The risk was well worth it.

If this meek, risk aversion psychosis of the West isn't brought under control soon, we're going to be left behind.