Originally Posted by frognbuff

Well said, tdracer. I spent 20 years in the Air Force, and I get more than a little sick of the complaints about "gubmint" (god, how I hate that stupid spelling) waste. The government isn't inherently wasteful but, like any large organization, tends to become a bit bloated over time. In the DoD, we had regular "Reductions in Force" (RIFs) that at least forced SOME fat-trimming. Commercial businesses do them to stay competitive. NASA has never had a RIF in recent memory, but they desperately need one. Unfortunately, that will likely never happen. NASA provides good jobs in low-paying areas (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama). So they struggle with their own bureaucracy, and (unlike silly things like defending our nation) Congress will never force the issue. I say hold a NASA RIF (say, 10%), but don't cut their budget. I think we'd find they accomplish much more "cool stuff," though sadly some folks will have to seek employment elsewhere.