Pence: ‘We will put American boots on the face of Mars’

This can, of course, be politically interpretted any of a number of ways. Some will immediately recall Orwells line about a picture of the future, and, if they are of a mind to, will interpret pence to be a monster with monstrous goals. Others will see it in terms of “America, frak yeah!” and will be enthused.

And then there’s those like me, who if we were the optimistic types would be enthused, but we’ve been burned a few dozen too many times. If only Pence not only means this, but can make it happen:

“The American space program has a champion in the President of the United States,” Pence said, adding that the White House plans to “usher in a new era” of American space leadership.

We’ll see. But at least the rhetoric is right.