April 11, 2026

Watching the splashdown of the capsule that went around the moon reminded me of watching the astronauts splash down back in the early 70s. It was captivating then and it is captivating now. The main difference is that I now understand why people like Tim O'Brien would be so damned angry at a nation and a world that put so much effort into sending people to the moon when "they can't do shit for lost souls down here on planet Earth."

When we went to the moon in the late 60s and early 70s, we were also in the midst of dropping bombs on countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, leading to the death of millions of people. More American veterans died from self-destructive behavior after the war than soldiers who died when fighting the war.

Now, more than 50 years later, we are fighting a war where we are threatening to wipe out an entire civilization. At the same time the President has just released a budget that includes steep cuts to education, health care, housing, and many other programs to help people get back on their feet. "Pathetic, ain't it? Hell, they don't even know you and me exist".

Ironically, he is not only cutting funding for people, but also for NASA. A budget cut of over 20% has been proposed with a nearly 50% cut in funding for NASA's science programs. It seems like the only thing we have money for is weapons.

I don't want to take away from all the incredible people who made this mission possible, but we need to put the same kind of effort into setting up systems here on Earth that help people escape poverty, deal with health issues, and reach their full potential.