My problem isn't that the seats are Russian, it's that we've let our space program wither away to nothing. I don't mind competition in space industry, what I mind is that our government, and industry, leaders simply can't be bothered.

> it's that we've let our space program wither away to nothing

Maintaining a space program is a very expensive proposition, and given the enormous amont of debt the government possesses, I'd say it was a wise decision to shut the whole thing down.

Unfortunately, the space program is a trivial amount compared to what's actually consuming the budget: defense and welfare.

Since the risk of this thread devolving into a federal budget debate expands exponentially with every post, I propose leaving the subject for another time and place.

Non having a working space program will likely be an even more expensive proposition. Theres nothing wrong, in my opinion, with governments being involved in high speculative, but highly valuable infrastructure development.

Competition implies that less efficient providers are losing customers. US government is making wise move by cutting expenses that way.