Your comments are off the mark and factually incorrect.

Rees' comments were primarily about humanities possible future in space not the best way to get there. There is nothing wrong with him not rehashing the details of why Zubrin's plan is the most economical one when that was a secondary comment.

Your comments on launch capabilities completely ignore the total payload the shuttle system delivers to orbit (75 tons including shuttle) and the plans for the magnum booster which have been pointed out to you many times. Current capabilities are 50% of Zubrin's requirement and 85% of of NASA's reference mission not the 12.5% you claim. Both NASA's Magnum and Zubrin's Ares are based on extending shuttle technology and making use of existing technology and facilities as much as possible.

It is just plain silly to claim satellite makers will pay for launch vehicle development by NASA. At worst it has no impact at best it allows them more freedom to design larger satellites (a stimulous). While launch vehicle makers might suffer economically it is very unlikely near term as the magnum/ares would be intended for manned spaceflight (currently shuttle work) not satellites. While a big drop in per pound cost would result it would not be economical for satellites capable of being lifted by current vehicles due to a higher per launch cost. It is unlikley that we will repeat the mistake with the shuttle of mandating a government sponsored vehicle be used.

Regards,
Mark