Guest: Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson. Subject: Dr. Tyson talks space policy along with his new book, "Space Chronicles: Facing The Ultimate Frontier" and his article in the current edition of Foreign Affairs, , "The Case For Space: Why We Should Keep Reaching for the Stars." You are invited to comment, ask questions, and discuss the Space Show program/guest(s) on the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments, questions, and any discussion must be relevant and applicable to Space Show programming. Transcripts of Space Show programs are not permitted without prior written consent from The Space Show (even if for personal use) & are a violation of the Space Show copyright. We welcomed Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson back to the show for a comprehensive hour long discussion on space policy, the NASA budget, investment in our future, the space race, and many more issues as pointed out in both his Foreign Affairs article and in his new book. Remember, if you order his book using the following Amazon link, Amazon will make a contribution to The Space Show/One Giant Leap Foundation: www.amazon.com/Space-Chronicles-Facing-Ultimate-Frontier/dp/0393082105/r.... You can read his Foreign Affairs article at www.scribd.com/doc/82592118/The-Case-for-Space. During our hour with Neil, we discussed the NASA budget and why it should be increased. Dr. Tyson also pointed out why humor was so important and what it really means as I asked him about the joking and kidding around regarding space when he visits programs such as The Daily Show. Neil also made the case for more space activity and talked about spinoffs but additionally he talked about the economic growth that comes from innovation and inspiration, along with unplanned and fortunate discoveries. Here, he cited the Hubble Space Telescope and mammograms as an example. He also suggested that with a space program that is innovative and doing what it should be doing, the STEM education problems are solved in the process. We talked about NASA not being one of the key scientific government agencies anymore and he was upset that this was and is not being corrected. Dr. Tyson had much to say about the role of the private sector in space development in that government typically puts down the infrastructure and opens the industry door with the privates coming after, expanding the industry, operating more efficiently, and developing markets. A listener asked about planetary defense and asteroids, another listener inquired about space enthusiasts running for political office, and Jon suggested that giving NASA a bigger budget would just be a waste as NASA is all about pork. Neil addressed all of these questions and more. I urge listeners to read his book and if possible, read the Foreign Affairs article before you listen to the interview. During our discussion, Dr. Tyson said some very powerful things. For example, note our discussion on the NASA budget as an investment, not an expense. Neil described himself as an educator so listen to what he had to say about how to influence people and create change through education by teaching real science and facts so people can make truly informed choices. Pay attention to what he said about a country that does not invest in its future and why space should be the future getting the investment benefit. Throughout this interview, Neil powerfully reminded us all that even in tough economic times like today, NASA has been instrumental in shaping our national identity, inspiring us, driving our economy, driving careers in the STEM disciplines, and bringing us landmark, groundbreaking new technologies. I personally believe that Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson makes a very good case for space. Please post any comments/questions you might have for Dr. Tyson on The Space Show blog URL above.