That’s my new name for Ted Cruz after seeing this:
Sen. Ted Cruz thinks NASA should spend less time studying the planet and more time finding ways to go out into space.
“Almost any American would agree that the core function of NASA is to explore space,” he said. “That’s what inspires little boys and little girls across this country … and you know that I am concerned that NASA in the current environment has lost its full focus on that core mission.”
I don’t feel comfortable with having a sitting senator be in charge of appropriating money to research based on the whims of a hypothetical 6 year old. So the poor NASA administrator had to patiently explain to this know-nothing what else NASA does besides going to infinity and beyond:
“Our core mission from the very beginning has been to investigate, explore space and the Earth environment, and to help us make this place a better place,” (Charles)Bolden said.
“It is absolutely critical that we understand Earth’s environment because this is the only place that we have to live,” Bolden said. “Science helps exploration; exploration helps science.”
Bolden defended NASA’s work here on Earth. NASA compiles data on the planet’s air pollution via satellite, engages in research on new forms of energy, and is a key agency for climate change and ice melt data. Bolden alluded to the agency’s study of climate change in his response to Cruz, saying that the agency can’t do any of its work — on the ground or up in space — “if the Kennedy Space Center goes underwater and we don’t know it.” That’s not a hyperbolic worry — scientists have warned that sea level rise is putting the Kennedy Center, which is located in Florida, at risk.
So to Cruz, NASA is a hothouse of liberalism. Got it. Excuse me while I double dose my Wellbutrin.
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