What the hell does "science illiteracy"? The inability to read only books about science? And what does that have to do with "shutting your mouth" about how our government spends its money? You seem to just be another reactionary person that defends any money the government spends as long as it's for your pet project. I'm a fan of space exploration, too...but right now there are plenty of private groups making leaps and bounds that will soon make NASA an anachronistic institution.
thanks for proving my point...