In his ill-written and wrong-headed column, U.S. Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger makes an unconvincing argument to revive the U.S. space program, using the usual chauvinistic, jingoistic and saber-rattling catchwords that we've come to expect from the warmongering Democratic Party leadership he represents ("Relaunch the space program," Jan. 5). Why do we need to return to the moon, much less go to Mars? He doesn't say, except that the Chinese are going to first, notwithstanding the fact that we already were there in 1969.

For once, I agree with President Obama's plan to cancel the Constellation program. With America verging on bankruptcy and with China as our leading creditor, the last thing we need is a space race with China! Other than the specious reasons given by the congressman, the real reason he wants a beefed up space industry is to keep the American war machine humming along so that we can invade other places on earth. Another is that the elitist establishment of which he is a part is looking toward the day when it lives in space once Earth is no longer habitable.

If Mr. Ruppersberger is so hot to trot to go to the moon, let him hitch a ride at his own expense — not ours — on Sir Richard Branson's private space shuttle.

Blaine Taylor, Towson