While I agree that SLS is a potential boondoggle, in one big respect I like that it exists: I like keeping as many of those people employed as possible, even if

While I agree that SLS is a potential boondoggle, in one big respect I like that it exists: I like keeping as many of those people employed as possible, even if it's a de facto subsidy program. I like keeping those skillsets domestically available and primed, spread across several entities (SpaceX, NASA, Blue Origin, ULA and so on). I want us to be able to do it, or other similar big things (a space station, whatever), should the situation warrant building something big. I want those people to be ready to build for early colonies on the Moon or Mars in the next few decades and SpaceX can't provide all the employment. SLS will cost way too much (already does). It is fairly absurd. I'm still glad that it exists. Build it. Write the check. I don't want SpaceX to be our only path to the Moon and or Mars. I don't agree with the cost or the bureaucracy. I don't agree with lots of things the US Government spends a lot of money on though. If NASA needs $5 billion extra per year to subsidize SLS, as a taxpayer I'm fine with it. Their budget has gone from $26b to $33b over the past five years. Let's get that to $38 billion in a few more years.