[nmnrIjGB]

[1] well if we want government to be involved then yes, we do need a political reason - that's the way government works

OK, then let's say there is no need for "cold war political type" reasoning or c%$# waving...But you knew what I meant.

[2] no one said that

Well why mention that we achieved what we have for political reasons?
The point is we would have got there later, that's all.


[3] I'm not sure if they did or they didn't, but anyway I'm unsure how that is relevant

I look at manned space flight to the moon and I see it effectively finishing with the cold war, why is this do you think??

????? Again, you seem to be saying, we "NEED" a cold war and political motivation all the time...We don't, even with government involvement.

In regards to the future for NASA, I agree, I doubt it will disappear entirely; however its functions will slowly be adsorbed into the private sector.

To some extent yes...

I'll point out that there is currently no formal plan to return to the moon

No firm plan on sending men to Mars yet either, but I bet my house we'll do it.
There'll even be Aussies up there one day!