So how come NASA needs a manpower reduction with all these new plans? Doesn't make much sense to me. Is the change of direction too drastic to shift existing employees? You sound like a victom of burnout Gary. People who pour their heart and soul into a job only to face dissappointment after dissappointment have a hard time not being bitter. Been there myself on a less grand scale. The pessimism that results often blinds them to positive change on the way. I've seen that too as the agent of change. I hope that is the case for you, because I'm sure you aren't too bitter to regain a positive attitude if you see real progress. It's clear you still want NASA to succeed.

Of course with regard to NASA I'm like the new guy with boundless optimism who has no clue how bad things really are. My primary reason for hope is my belief that you are far too negative about the life on Mars issue. While your concern about its impact seems like a viable alternative to mine, I find your assessment of the possibility of life on Mars to be far too negative. For instance, I have yet to see you address the crumbling of one of the foundations of your no life on Mars stance - "no methane on Mars".

Happy Holidays and May You Feel Better Soon,
Mark