...and I mean really seen it. ;-)

And I've seen the past too. Both are one and the same thing from a neutral observers POV in a relative universe. Looking in on both is as simple as changing the channel with a remote control.

Space exploration is a stage of human growth. Let's be really honest - space exploration is sort of a form of anti-materialist expression. In a world where everyone is grabbing from someone else to survive, reaching for the stars is the opposite of looking at the ground and one's neighbor, feeding one's face and cowering under the covers for security.

It is the reaching of the mind to understand its place in the universe and what's more to discover just exactly what one is and why one is.

That's why space exploration is generally pursued by folks not heavily into materialism or conversely by materialists extraordinaire who realize materialism isn't all it's cracked up to be. Both are evolving past the satisfaction quotient of purely material interests, desires and goals.

That's why I support space exploration so strongly, because I know a healthy space program helps humanity to evolve. Those who want to curtail manned space exploration are either in possession of a fearful subconscious mind or are extremely uncomfortable with anything that leaves the material things they know so well displaced.

Fearful animals huddle together in packs for warmth and security under the dark, star strewn skies on a winter night. They don't look up, but look down at the Earth and at their grazing field.

Mankind will reach the stars and will broaden his horizons, both physical and mental. As he does he will find new horizons to set his sail to travel to.

Evolution demands man leave earth and eventually leave the human form altogether to explore the vast cosmos. Some are frightened by such a notion and these are those who try to thwart space exploration and progress.