President Barack Obama's 2011 budget request to Congress kills funding for NASA's Constellation program, effectively ending U.S. manned space superiority ("Obama budget riles both parties," Tribune , Feb. 3). This is a huge mistake for the future strength of America; it imperils America's place as a world leader.

For 50 years, the United States has led the world in space exploration technology. This leadership has been a symbol of American strength, ingenuity, freedom and education. It has inspired both young and old to think higher thoughts and reach for better ways of life.

Today, the space program proposed by Obama's new budget is merely the equivalent of that of China, Russia and many other countries that will soon match this low standard. This will place America in a weak position, both militarily and diplomatically. The ability to put a man on the moon and beyond is a symbol of American strength and a tool of diplomatic leverage. It gives America credibility that will prove far more important than the tiny fraction of our federal budget required to fund it.

Write and ask your representatives in Congress to fight to continue full funding of the space program.

Steven Schmidt

Provo