The question of priorities became so clear to me as I saw the news this week about the space shuttle being rolled out, and the associated talk about "now we can start our mission of putting people on Mars". It seemed so 20'th century. Without a new source of energy in 30 years, there is a significant chance that there will be a severe and lengthy depression of the economy and quality of life. This would be good for the lake ecology, but bad for the lakes region. The mission to Mars seems like mis-set priorities, and should only be considered after research on hydrogen fuel, fusion, solar and wind power have resolved our energy future. I can't wait for that fusion powered bass boat. Hopefully those afraid of speed won't have the limit set to 45 by then.
