If the standard is cost-effectiveness, how has NASA performed at Mars vs. the Russians? It's an important standard. Here in Washington D.C., the biggest hurdle between us and Mars is the COST. Would you believe me if I told you that the President told me this during a one-on-one conversation dedicated to Mars? I didn't think so, so please click here for some proof:

President Bush discusses Mars

If we can empower private industry (and I don't consider bloated contractors like Lockheed to be genuine private industry) then costs can (hopefully) come down, and we can go up...to Mars, and beyond. We need pro-entrepreneurial reforms, and an ability to inspire voters and taxpayers to persuade the White House that they can get more political capital than they'd lose as a result of fighting for them:

Here are some rather simple legal reforms that could get us to Mars withOUT costing taxpayers more $$$.