re: #197 Dr Lizardo

Russia’s economy is on par with that of Italy.

That’s not saying a whole hell of a lot, is it? For a nation with vast natural resources, Russia is a kleptocratic, inefficient basket case. The only thing that allows them to punch above their weight is their nuclear arsenal.

And that’s what we are becoming - a kleptocracy ruled by a kakistocracy. It was troubling to hear on Chris Hayes last night that Macron has funded top US climate scientists, who have now relocated to France. It’s good for the world that their work will continue but it’s bad for the United States for us to lose their technical expertise.

Although I do support the Trump initiative to build a base on the Moon and from there go to Mars, how are we going to accomplish that without funding? The tax legislation will guarantee we won’t have the financial resources. And how will we manage if our top scientists are likely to be recruited by countries who look to the future, instead of wanting a return to the 1950’s?