“It costs almost no energy to move things across the ocean.”

Actually, it costs a-lot of energy: the energy needed to feed the crew for the two month journey in an old sailboat; and there was the very large human cost, since the journey was perilous — think of all the sunken ships!!!

One could say equivalently that it costs little to move through space, since space offers no resistance. ;-)

“Instead of blowing the money into space as vanity projects for billionaires and Presidents, we need to use it to save us from ourselves.”

Tom, you and I will not agree on this because we have different values. You don’t value space exploration and colonization. I do — greatly. It is the singular most important thing to me outside of my own household. And many people feel the same way.

What do you value? The arts? Sports? I value neither, so I would propose that we “blow billions” on those the arts and on sports. The Olympic Games now cost about $50B to conduct. What a waste— we could be saving the planet! And the arts — all the museums, and paintings selling for $100M. What a waste — we could be saving the planet!!

All football stadiums — what a waste.

Let’s stop all human endeavors, except for those that “save the planet”.

Then what’s the point of living? What is there to save?

All the cars people buy: what a waste. They could get by with a Deux Chevaux. The vacations — what a waste — we could be saving the planet.

Luckily, today’s space ventures are being driven by individuals, so that those who don’t value it are in no position to stand in the way! :-)