A successful space program depends on one thing, having a booster capable of placing large payloads into orbit reliably and in a cost effective manner. Having the right booster is the linchpin that everything else depends on, IMO. Am I wrong or is Nasa ran by complete idiots and blind fools?

The Direct launcher is the closest thing I've seen that comes close to giving the US an Energia class launch system, yet Nasa's management seems totally hostile to such a common sense approach. With Direct, we could keep the shuttle (or a new improved version of it) and still develop the CEV and beyond Earth orbit capability for a fairly low cost and in a short time span. All of which would use a common launcher to get into orbit. With a common launch system the entire solar system would be opened up to us. Any thoughts?