Make spacecraft here

The Dec. 14 Spokesman-Review featured the amalgamation of Paul Allen and Burt Rutan in what is undoubtedly the most ambitious space program developed by the private sector. While the creation of an off-Earth ferry system is admirable, it only serves a temporary purpose.

Due to budget constraints, NASA has become little more than a dog and pony show. It is time for the private sector to take over. As co-founder of Microsoft, Paul Allen is one of the few now-living individuals with the necessary capital to fund colonist missions to both the moon and Mars.

I have heard a lot of talk about building another casino in the Spokane area. While the idea of generating employment is an enticement, this casino would simply be another siphon from the pockets of needy people. For every person who hits the jackpot, 1,000 people walk away with little or nothing.

What we need is an industry which generates tens of thousands of jobs. It would be a simple matter for Boeing to convert to spacecraft. As Burt Rutan now lives in Coeur d’Alene, our area would be a logical place to set up headquarters.

Douglas R. Benn

Spokane