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# Bush in space
- URL: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/19355/
- Published: 2006-10-23T11:10:29.000Z
- Updated: 2019-02-14T22:35:26.000Z
- Author: openDemocracy Supporters
- Tags: #en, #Migrated, #Import 2026-04-09 18:23

With their foreign policy in shreds in the middle east, Bush administration officials are directing attention to another frontier: the final frontier. A new, robust [galactic policy](http://www.ostp.gov/html/US%20National%20Space%20Policy.pdf?ref=opendemocracy.net) intends to propel American cosmonauts (and strategic interests) into the void.  
  
Critics, however, have already rung alarm bells, with The New York Times pouring icy water on Bush's ['macho'](http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/10/22/opinion/edspace.php?ref=opendemocracy.net) interstellar vision. Where in the past the language of international cooperation governed any discussion of space, nationalist grand strategy looms large in US statements: "In this new century, those who effectively utilize space will enjoy added prosperity and security and will hold a substantial advantage over those who do not. Freedom of action in space is as important to the United States as air power and sea power."  
  
Speaking a few years ago, Bush compared the expeditions of American astronauts to the continental trek of the 19th century explorers [Lewis and Clark](http://www.lewis-clark.org/?ref=opendemocracy.net). Their enterprising spirit of discovery, [Bush insisted](http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/01/20040114-3.html?ref=opendemocracy.net), remains a guiding light for American space adventurers today.  
  
Of course, the exploration of Lewis and Clark paved the way for the boots and wheels of American [Manifest Destiny](http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/osulliva.htm?ref=opendemocracy.net), turning a fledgling coastal nation into a continental empire. Increasingly jingoistic in its tone, the American space strategy does little to dissuade images of galactic imperium.

(Image courtesy [Pilvikaupunki](http://www.pilvikaupunki.net/?alue=literacy&osio=kirjalistaus&ref=opendemocracy.net) )