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Yes, And Our Cherished Projects Too

March 14th, 2010 at 7:22 pm by Cranky

I’ve heard much Talk Radio criticism of the Obama administration’s canning of the NASA’s Constellation program. This seems to be one government program that Conservatives feel strongly about. This may make me unpopular right now, but we can’t afford it now.

“As with all great human achievements, our commitment to space must be renewed and encouraged or we will surely be surpassed by other nations who are presently challenging our leadership in space,” Democratic and Republican members of the U.S. Congress from Florida wrote to Obama last week.

Obama’s move for a greater private sector role in space launches — as he seeks to keep ballooning federal deficits in check — has generated fears of job losses among thousands of NASA employees who provide an important economic base in Florida, a state usually crucial in presidential elections.

When Obama’s lips mouth the words “private sector”, my sincerity meter flatlines. The only budgets that seem to qualify for his scalpel are those that don’t involve Chicago slumlords or unions. But wouldn’t you agree that, at the moment, privatizing anything and simultaneously shrinking a bureaucracy is a good thing?

I only wish he was as “responsible” across the board. Maybe if Valerie Jarrett has a proposal for subsidized low income housing on the Sea of Tranquility or a special Director of Lunar Diversity position opened for Michelle?

I do wonder if this is part of the President’s disdain for American Exceptionalism; of which the Space Program is certainly one.

All that said, if we’re to be on board with fiscal conservatism, we have to be willing to let our ox get gored.

Our local township is home to the Revolutionary War’s Brandywine Battlefield. Due to a $1.8 million cut in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission budget, some hard choices are needing to be made. The Commission made this recommendation:

“The highest and best use of (the Brandywine) site is as a local park and open space,” the report states. “Discontinue operating Brandywine as a staffed historic site and continue to maintain the site as a passive recreational park.”

Considering that it costed $385,044 in 2007 to run the park and brought in $65,163 in paid admissions, it is prudent to look the options.

I’d probably be laughed out of our Republican-controlled township meetings for suggesting that a Revolutionary War historic site be trimmed back while funds don’t exist. Too Ron Paul-ish or something.

But there also other options on the table that should be considered. In fact, I’m proud that our township and state representative are remaining more clear-eyed than their counterparts in corrupt Philadelphia.

We have put together a business plan to take over and run the program in the event the (park) is placed in the hands of Chadds Ford or the county,” said Kaat, who is hoping to add another 150 members to her group in the next few months. “We would budget roughly $200,000 per year.”

…

“I agree 100 percent that the township would do a better job and have better vision,” said state Rep. Stephen Barrar, R-160.

…

“With the proper strategy and campaign, I think you could boost the number of visitors very easily.”

…

In the meantime, the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates, www.brandywinebattlefield.org, will continue soliciting volunteers and $30 and $40 (individual and family) memberships. A Save Brandywine Web site, www.savebrandywinebattlefield.com, has also been formed to raise money and awareness.

What do y’all think?


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2 Responses to “Yes, And Our Cherished Projects Too”

  1. Brian Says:
    March 14th, 2010 at 7:44 pm

    I think if you have battlefield re-enactors, history buffs, etc. that they should be given the opportunity to be it’s caretakers. If they can turn a dollar hosting events there and support the park more power to them.

    Like the Adopt-A-Highway program.

    On a similar note given the current Administration’s want to shut off all inland waterways, lakes, streams and ponds from those nasty sport fishermen, I’ve got to ask – just how did Nature stay open all those years without a government program overseeing it?

  2. Cranky Says:
    March 14th, 2010 at 8:12 pm

    I knew I could count on you for insight with a good dose of sarcasm.

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