I don't understand why people are so critical of science programs like NASA. As a science buff, it irritates me. I can understand the argument that we should be putting more money into feeding the needy. But at the expense of scientific knowledge? Why at the expense of NASA and space programs? Don't you realize that we have technologies used here on Earth that were originally used in the space program?
When people call NASA and similar space programs a waste, it's like they're denying the curiosity found in every human's heart. We are adventurous people! What's on the other side of those mountains? Does this ocean lead to more land, or will I fall off the Earth? This universe we live in is amazing and fantastic! It is the handiwork of God himself! Why would we ignore it, especially when we are located on just the right kind of planet in just the right location in the galaxy in just the right galaxy to observe this universe! We are built to be curious creatures, on a world designed to let us explore our curiosity! I don't think we should ignore the needy; if it would require some funding be taken away from programs such as NASA to have a massive impact on those people in America and around the world, then good. But to make a blanket statement that the space program and what NASA does is a waste is something I absolutely disagree with.
I fear that statements that "NASA is waste of tax money" is another one of those things that gives the appearance that Christianity is at odds with science. Think about it. When it comes to things like landing a rover on Mars, how many people who are known Christians get vocally supportive about it? I'd say very few Christians would even care! But when, instead, nonbelievers read of people calling NASA's exploration a waste... well, you wonder why Christians are labeled as backwoods and Medieval.