Conference 7.286::space

852.0. "Poll shows majority support space program" by SKYLAB::FISHER (Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent) Tue May 25 1993 13:59

However, I'm not quite sure I understand how half can also say we should
reduce expentitures...

Burns
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From: [email protected] (ELKA WORNER)
Newsgroups:
clari.tw.space,clari.local.los_angeles,clari.tw.aerospace,clari.local.california
Subject: Poll: Americans support expanding civilian space program
Keywords: space, science, aerospace, defense industry, usa federal,
	government
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
References: <[email protected]>
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Date: Mon, 24 May 93 16:22:55 PDT
Location: los angeles
ACategory: regional
Slugword: ca-space
Priority: regular
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Note: MetroWire
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	SEAL BEACH, Calif. (UPI) -- The majority of Americans feel the U.S.
civilian space program should be expanded, according to a survey
released Monday by the aerospace company Rockwell International Corp.
	Americans viewed the possibility of making ``new and important
scientific and medical discoveries'' as the program's most important
benefit.
	Support was particularly strong for maintaining a human presence in
space through such programs as the space shuttle and space station.
	Half of those polled, however, said that space program expenditures
should be cut back. Economic and budgetary concerns were cited as
reasons for scaling back.
	The nationwide survey, conducted by Yankelovich Partners, was based
on interviews with 1,002 registered voters. The poll had a margin of
error of plus or minus 3 percent.
	Seventy six percent of those surveyed said they ``approve of
America's current civilian space program,'' with 57 percent saying it
should be expanded.
	Most Americans believe the space program has a vital role in allowing
the country to remain ``economically competitive and continue its status
as a world leader in technology,'' Yankelovich spokesman James Taylor
said.
	Voters said the possibility of making scientific and medical
discoveries as the program's most important benefit.
	Other benefits include keeping the nation's young people interested
and involved in studying science, math and engineering and increasing
the understanding of the Earth's weather, climate and environment, the
survey said.
	When told that the space budget makes up only 1 percent of the
federal budget, 64 percent of the voters said NASA's share should be
increased to 1.5 percent.
	Voters also voiced support for the space program based on an
international perspective, saying it was an effective means of building
relationships with other nations.
	Sevety-eight percent of those polled said the United States should
conduct joint space missions with other countries.
	The poll was commissioned by Rockwell, which has sponsored opinion
polls on the civilian space program for the last 15 years.
	Rockwell manufactures all space shuttles, which nine out of 10 voters
said they view as a ``remarkable technological achievement,'' and a
source of pride America.
	The company also provides ground support for NASA during rocket and
shuttle launches.

re .0
    
>However, I'm not quite sure I understand how half can also say we should
>reduce expentitures...
    
    The way I read it "expand" means "NASA's share of the pie increases"
    (from 1% to 1.5%) while "reduce expenditures" means "NASA's total
    spending goes down" (along with all other government expenditure in
    order to bring the budget into balance).