re: The Mars Society Statement on Bush Space Initiative
Yes, I saw that. It's very good piece- lot's of things I agree with and lots to argue about. But the take on what Bush is doing is accurate.
"A door has been opened, and a battle of ideas that will determine the shape of the human future for many years to come has now been truly joined."
I like the part about overlapping of Lunar and Mars manned. And I think it should be possible to start both Lunar and thereby Mars manned sooner than what Bush outlined- but it would better if NASA & others make this argument rather than this coming from Bush.