This is much more reasoned than the invective that both poles are throwing out. Incidentally, you come to the conclusion I myself agree with, which is that righ

This is much more reasoned than the invective that both poles are throwing out. Incidentally, you come to the conclusion I myself agree with, which is that right now (and when one is learned about the science involved), it is hard to see investment in space travel as much more than a distraction from our real problems. In other words, let's not jump out of the raft and into the ocean with a life preserver until we can see a ship approaching.