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October 2004 Poll #2
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October 2004 Poll #1
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Which presidential candidate has the better platform on aerospace and defense issues?
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George W. Bush
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56%
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John Kerry
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34%
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No difference
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9%
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Total votes: 137
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Do you think the public is ready for "space tourism" and is willing to fly aboard vehicles like SpaceShipOne?
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Yes
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76%
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No
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18%
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Undecided
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6%
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Total votes: 106
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Comment: The issues that most matter to us are policies that will strengthen the US military and
aerospace industry. John Kerry's long record of opposition to the aircraft and guided weapons that won the
Cold War, defeated Saddam Hussein, and liberated Afghanistan gives us reason for concern. Furthermore, we
feel that the military is in desperate need of a transformation into a more mobile and flexible force, a
policy that has been pursued by the Bush administration. Bush has also proposed a new vision for NASA's
space program while also fighting to defend American manufacturers against unfair trade policies imposed
by Europe. These are all issues on which Kerry has, for the most part, remained silent.
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Comment: I have a feeling our voters are a tad overly optimistic. I fear it will only take one
fatal accident of a vehicle like SpaceShipOne to significantly dampen people's enthusiasm. Also to be
considered is the enormous price-tag that will limit the availability of a ride into space to all but the
wealthiest of celebrities and executives.
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September 2004 Poll #2
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September 2004 Poll #1
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Which of the following regions poses the most significant threat to world stability?
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Iran
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24%
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North Korea
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54%
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Chechnya
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12%
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Undecided
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10%
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Total votes: 109
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Do you think terrorists will attempt to manipulate the presidential election by staging an attack on US soil this fall?
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Yes
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43%
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No
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46%
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Undecided
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12%
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Total votes: 103
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Comment: While it is easy to point towards North Korea since the nation has already produced nuclear
weapons, we feel that Iran is by far the more significant threat. North Korea is surrounded by powerful
nations isolating it from the rest of the world. Nucelar weapons in the hands of Iran, however, are far
more frightening since Iran has had ties to terrorist groups like Hezbollah for over 20 years.
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Comment: It is not terribly surprising that this poll ended in such a split decision. The success
of the attack in Spain on the eve of an election is sure to embolden terrorists, and we would not be at all
surprised if a similar attempt is made in the US.
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August 2004 Poll #2
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August 2004 Poll #1
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Do you believe government subsidies give Airbus an unfair advantage against competitors like Boeing?
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Yes
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61%
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No
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30%
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Undecided
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9%
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Total votes: 147
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Do you believe the military service of John Kerry and George W. Bush should be an issue in the upcoming election?
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Yes
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56%
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No
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42%
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Undecided
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2%
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Total votes: 116
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Comment: This issue has been around for over 20 years, yet neither American political party seems
capable of or willing to confront Europe over it. The World Trade Organization has also failed to address
US complaints over the perceived unfair trade practices adopted by Airbus.
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Comment: We fail to understand how military service performed over 30 years ago has any particular
relevance to the issues of today. Nevertheless, we are concerned at how both records have been abused for
political advantage. Both ought to be praised and criticized where justified, but they must be evaluated
in a fair and balanced manner.
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