Barack Obama’s speech on space exploration in the 21st
century provided parallels and differences to Kennedy’s similar speech in 1961.
Both addresses stressed the importance of the timing for America to be on board
with an increased national focus on space. Obama notes that the goals of space
exploration have shifted from simply going to the moon to finding ways to
improve our earth’s environment and better understand our climate. The timing
becomes important because if we don’t act soon then changing environmental factors, for example, can negatively alter our future generations. Obama also puts
emphasis on the kairotic moment in regards to future jobs in America. By
claiming that his plan will create at least 2,500 jobs on the Space Coast and
10,000 in the nation over the next 2 years, Americans are encouraged to get on board
immediately to help improve the economy.
Obama also claims that even though the plan is costly, it will pay
itself off by advancing our society and inspiring generations of Americans. Although
Obama didn’t have the competition with the Soviet Union to justify the
importance of the moment like Kennedy did, he still effectively conveyed his
message that now is the opportune moment to dig deeper into space exploration.
I agree that the speech was given at an important time and that it parallels Kennedy's 1961 speech. In addition to the parallels mentioned, Obama sets goals for space exploration, such as stating that a new rocket design will be ready by 2015, just as Kennedy's speech did. The timing of the speech is crucial because of the climate change, but also because despite the importance of our activities in space, the American people have recently been lackluster about NASA and their current goals and activities.
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