Grant J. Kidney— The failing economic system of the United States is forcing tremendous cuts across the board- especially in terms of space exploration, perhaps mankind’s last best hope of moving past our rather primitive, evolutionary strangleholds.

As Barack Obama submits his budget proposals for the fiscal year of 2013, NASA will also be holding conferences to discuss how much money will be allocated to its space programs.

With millions of folks collecting food stamps and living in make-shift shelters beneath bridges across America, some are asking just what business we have any way exploring outer-space in these rough times.

During a recent GOP debate, candidate Ron Paul explained that space exploration ought not be a prime goal for the United States government. Paul’s words resonate with many who feel slighted by a government that would rather venture out in to the stars than provide life-essentials to the poor and the needy.

Despite the qualm with seeking outer space exploration amidst a heavily chaotic economic situation, it must be realized and understood thoroughly that space exploration is truly mankind’s last best hope.

The Earth is running dry of many resources such as oil and fresh, drinkable water. The population of this planet has expanded to such an extent that sustainability becomes simply out of the question. Unless a great transformation of the planet ensues wherein resources are intelligently allocated and folks adequately fed, clothed, and sheltered, then man will be forced to set foot on new worlds so as to accommodate the needs of billions of starving people.

According to very startling data, if human consumption of resources continue at its present rate, then man will need two Earths in order to sustain itself. Aside from a total redesign of global human culture, space offers the best shot at providing stability to a world presently in decline.