I got an e-mail, copied verbatim:

Don't forget how many products have come out of the space program (corningware and non-stick frying pans for one). Keep the space program going I say. Our survival depends on it (cuz if we dont start getting off world these assholes are going to kill us all).

By the by: how do you feel about looser Gore endorsing that guy from New Hampshire...what's his name? :)

I'm not sure how good at loosening things Al Gore is, but if his marriage is anything like my relationship, Tipper surely does pass the new jar of olives over to Al to open.

Al Gore endorsed Howard Dean, by the way, not John Kerry.

But seriously. Private industry has managed to pick up the bulk of product innovation. We don't need NASA for that anymore. Until Ron Popeil can figure out a way to send men and women into space safely and efficiently, and if he'll deduct one payment if we call within the following ten minutes, there's simply no need for manned space flight.