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Today, President Bush made his long awaited speech about our return to the moon. His father made a similar speech during his years in office with no real results. The difference is this speech outlined specific goals and time lines to meet them. It also includes a reasonable estimate of the cost, whereas the former President Bush presented an astronomical amount of funding that was required. I'm genuinely excited about this return to the moon, and have no choice but to vote for whoever promotes space exploration. However I do find it difficult to believe everything outlined in the speech will actually come to pass. A significant contingent of critics are out to squash this plan claiming the money can be better spent on domestic programs. I say we've been doing exactly that for 30 years and nobody is any happier for it. A bold new plan for human space exploration will not only become a source of national pride, but a source of pride for humanity. Humanity is at it's best when it is facing a challenge, and lately we have become lazy and lost our focus. Entertainment is our primary occupation, not exploration. It's time to get off our couch and explore the universe. Imagine a world where humanity covers not only the earth, but the moon and mars as well. Science fiction suddenly becomes science fact and a new era begins. I desperately hope the agenda outlined in the speech comes to fruition. Regular human space exploration is long overdue, and to have it happen in my lifetime is a dream come true.