I found this Web page that shows that the economy is consistently better under Democratic presidents as compared to Republicans.
http://www.eriposte.com/economy/other/demovsrep.htm
It shows that the stock market did better under Democrats, the Federal budget deficit was lower, the Government grew less, the economy grew more, unemployment was lower, and inflation was lower.
It makes you wonder why an investor or a true fiscal conservative would ever vote Republican. I guess it's a victory of hype over actual experience. This page hasn't been updated since 2004, but I don't think the last 4 years helped the Republican record any!
The Democratic National Committee draft 2008 platform that was sent to Platform Committee members on August 7 included a space plank that gives space investment equal billing with alternative energy investment. The relevant text is quoted below:
"... We will make science, technology, engineering, and math education a national priority. We will double federal funding for basic research, invest in a strong and inspirational vision for space exploration, and make the Research and Development Tax Credit permanent. We will invest in the next generation of transformative energy technologies and health IT and we will renew the defense R&D system. ..."
Those of us who hoped for more should appreciate that a party platform is a high-level thematic document. We shouldn't expect to get more detailed treatment than alternative energy! It's worth noting that the 2004 Democratic platform did not mention space at all.
I also wonder what significance to assign to the word "invest" in the space plank. When we invest we expect a return on investment. Could this indicate a more forward-looking commercial or industrial view of space? I'd like to hear some day from the people who drafted the space plank on what they had in mind.
Barack Obama pledged to reestablish the National Aeronautics and Space Council at a town hall meeitng in Titusville, FL, today!
For more info, see: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG5kBP
...... And we have to do more than provide short-term relief. We have to secure our long-term prosperity and strengthen America’s competitiveness in the 21st century. One of the areas where we are in danger of losing our competitive edge is our space program. When I was growing up, NASA inspired the world with achievements we are still proud of. Today, we have an administration that has set ambitious goals for NASA without giving NASA the support it needs to reach them. As a result, they’ve had to cut back on research, and trim their programs, which means that after the Space Shuttle shuts down in 2010, we’re going to have to rely on Russian spacecraft to keep us in orbit. We cannot cede our leadership in space. That’s why I will help close the gap and ensure that our space program doesn’t suffer when the Shuttle goes out of service by working with Senator Bill Nelson to add at least one additional Space Shuttle flight beyond 2010; by supporting continued funding for NASA; by speeding the development of the Shuttle’s successor; and by making sure that all those who work in the space industry in Florida do not lose their jobs when the Shuttle is retired – because we cannot afford to lose their expertise. More broadly, we need a real vision for space exploration. To help formulate this vision, I’ll reestablish the National Aeronautics and Space Council so that we can develop a plan to explore the solar system – a plan that involves both human and robotic missions, and enlists both international partners and the private sector. And as America leads the world to long-term exploration of the moon, Mars, and beyond, let’s also tap NASA’s ingenuity to build the airplanes of tomorrow and to study our own planet so we can combat global climate change. Under my watch, NASA will inspire the world, make America stronger, and help grow the economy here in Florida....
