Re AZM’s comment (point 4) and others: There is a way of getting both non-oil energy and a missile defense shield, the latter for a relatively small cost because the costs have already been paid by the former. The same method gives those who have it near-unstoppable weapons, as well, to punish evildoers.

Read “High Frontier” and “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress” for details. The first was published three decades ago and the latter fifty years ago or more. We could have had energy independence, with other benefits as well, by now; and 9/11, both Gulf Wars and the current war in Georgia would never have happened. Why in the name of all that’s holy doesn’t the USA (the only people who have the money) get started – RIGHT NOW ??

I don’t suppose that he will read it, but I hereby issue an appeal to Mr. Gates. Stop sending billions to Switzerland via African dictatorships, and establish some sort of fund for “blue-sky” stuff like SPS. If that works, we can feed the starving in Africa (and other places as well) out of petty cash.