The first trial flight of the crew on the new spaceship is a big risk and a big responsibility for ... the entire crew program, and for the country that is making it happen.
While President Obama asks Congress for $3.7 billion in emergency funds to address a tiny fraction of the symptoms of this problem, it is irrational to reject much more economical investments that could cure the illness by addressing the causes.
As far as foreign policy is concerned, the Obama years are likely to be recalled negatively. Whether it's the crisis in Ukraine, dealing with Russia or handling the Middle East problem, U.S. diplomacy gives the impression of incoherency.