CompuServe Messages

Although I'd venture that the incoming Republicans have a slim chance of privatizing the USGS, they might find strange bedfellows with the radical environmmentalists who'd rather have it be much more expensive for mining and fuel companies to find raw materials. The USGS is one of the ways that the government (well, all of us) has subsidized the mining and fuel companies. Exactly why should we subsidize their exploration, as opposed to all other US industry? Personally, I try to be even-handed when it comes to tax cuts. Although I get misty-eyed at shuttle launches, deep in my heart and mind I know that the government's sponsorship and restrictions on space exploration are wrong. Similarly, although I've enjoyed and benefited from topo maps, I think it's a little unfair that the many have sponsored the enjoyment and commercial ventures of the few.