China lands Jade Rabbit robot rover on Moon
This is a massive accomplishment that might very well mark an inflection point for China.  While countries like the US haven't really done anything in the last few decades to truly inspire the population --kids in particular-- here's China executing a feat of engineering that will surely serve as inspiration for their young.  And, of course, this is probably the first of many.<p>Timing, of course, couldn't be better.  The Chinese have managed their country admirably.  No debt to speak of.  Massive investment in infrastructure, technology and manufacturing capabilities.  An environment where entrepreneurship is top dog and government seems to pretty much stay out of their way.  And, of course, they are also ingesting massive amounts of intellectual and financial capital from the rest of the world.<p>Some have proposed this is going to inspire or push us to compete in this arena.  I'll propose that will not happen at the same scale the Chinese are building-up to.  Think of it this way:  We have to actually borrow money from the Chinese to compete with them.  I'll leave you with that thought.