Thank you very much for this highly interesting analysis. Good job!

Great job, Dwayne! You should really make it a book ... I would also like to get an autographed copy. However, why had Landis to die, the only spark of hope? Pity!

Krispace, thank you very much for your clear words!

What a brilliant summary of the discussion! Thank you, Chen Lan for your patience with us from the West. I admire all Asians for that generosity!
I have never been to China, but I was fortunate to talk to many people who have been there recently: they ALL - without exception - admit the overwhelming warmth of the Chinese people, the impressive economic progress and the modern facilities. Since I have seen the enthusiasm and motivation in the faces of the Chinese during the TV broadcastings from the Olympics I can not wait anymore to go and see myself. A total Solar Eclipse will take place on 22 July 2009. One can go to India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Japan or China to watch it! I will go to China! Maybe I could meet with some of you to continue our discussion first hand!

This is not the base for a serious discussion, what I sincerely regret. I could imagine that I could learn a lot from somebody who calls himself “Gilgamesh". But how can we find common ground this way?

I am disappointed about the partially offending and biased kind of discussion against the statements made by Chen Lan.
Although I do like that space is always good to open up also philosophical and political debate I am missing here the fairness and respect towards Chen Lan's opinion.

Who of the authors has been to China and would be entitled for judgement?
Why is only the Western European model or the US model accepted as a model for societies (or space exploration)?
Why is only information published in English real information?
Why is it only allowed to Westerners to defend your home, your country, your family?

I have many more free and democratic questions, but usually I get told off if I start to ask! I would also love to live in a free and democratic environment, which I could not find on Earth jet. I have lived in East and West Germany, in India and now in the Netherlands. (Paul - I am living close to you: Noordwijk!)
But one should never stop to try to find and to build it. If you would like to join I would not mind which nationality you have!