the stupidity of nations

Science is an amazing resource. We learn a lot, such as how the world works, which allows us to develop new machines to make our life easier. And although I saw way too many movies about rockets blasting off...I still think it is great we can go into space and learn more about physics and so forth. A lot of good can come out of it. And yeah, I think mankind can take pride in what is learned. However...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9685481/
"China’s reach into space, joining an elite club of nations setting their exploratory sights beyond Earth, is posing a serious challenge to the United States that could have military implications, analysts said."
This is classic media scare tactics. This is one of the most regressionist phrases you will read this year. Let's take a look at some of the "threats".
Pride. National pride. Like, every time we land on the moon, the people here in the U.S. feel a burst of pride. This article outright said there would be political consequences IF THEY CHINESE GOT TO THE MOON BEFORE "WE" GOT BACK!
That consequences? Will you be less "proud to be an American" if the Chinese land on the moon? Will you take the flag down from in front of your house? Will you sing the National Anthem with less enthusiasm the next time you are at a ball game? And don't even get me started on what I think of THAT habit. What does a song of patriotism have to do with a sporting event? Oh, I could rant for hours on that one.
But the point is...can you name to within...oh, I don't know, a decade? the last time we landed on the moon? Can you place a significance on landing on the moon? What is the question that can only be answered by that occurrence? And did you feel shame every time the....well, can you name what countries have landed on the moon? DO YOU EVEN CARE?
So what if the Chinese land on the moon? Welcome to the 21st century. We should be glad our neighbors are advancing technologically. We should be happy the most populous nation has an interest in science. After all, the more money spent on science, the less money available to oppress their people, right?
Seriously...the whole point of space exploration is to improve science. That means modernization. Technological modernization requires a certain level of education. Getting the right people means expanding the education system. That means taking into account economic realities and the need to improve them.
Oh, but why don't we send a few CIA ops over to blow up their lab or something? After all, how would it be if the Chinese accomplished something that might help them make discoveries that will improve the human experience? I know I would not be able to hold my head up after the shame of seeing something good happened to a people that is not just like me.