Here's the web site of a group that claims to want to influence Senator Kerry's space policy. I don't really know what they have to say, though, since they make one fill out a form to even look at their site. It turned me off, and I suspect I'm not alone.

Dumb.

Keith Cowing has further thoughts on their apparent ignorance of (or indifference to) campaign finance laws. Of course, to be fair, many Democrats seem to think that such things only apply to the other side. You know, free speech for me, but not for thee.

I liked the "I plan to vote" question.

I answered: "I plan to vote in Chicago, early and often."

or

"Vote Diebold, I want my vote to be given the greatest weight possible."

I went ahead and put garbage in the fields, and ended up on this page--

http://space.22nd.org/kerry/donate.html

If you don't make a donation, you can get to this page--
http://space.22nd.org/kerry/donationinfo.html.

Your donation will go toward "Website-related costs for hosting and improving our website." What website? I've just posted every available link.

What a scam.

I went ahead and put garbage in the fields, and ended up on this page--

http://space.22nd.org/kerry/donate.html

If you don't make a donation, you can get to this page--
http://space.22nd.org/kerry/donationinfo.html.

Your donation will go toward "Website-related costs for hosting and improving our website." What website? I've just posted every available link.

What a scam.

Rand, the link that's supposed to point to Keith Cowling's site points to KerrySpace also.

FYI.

Hmm.

This is an unknown website. I don't know the person who's listed on it.

I'm the webmaster for the Rutgers Club of Washington, DC. It doesn't cost much to set up and run a website.

I can visit lots of better known -- and probably better -- websites for free. Like, for example, this one. You can even read the very popular Slashdot without paying.

So just what is this guy up to? I'll be damned if I'll give him even a nickle.

Yea I guess you have to donate and then pray that he emails you the link to the actual website.

Who is Robert Guinness? He'll tell you. You have to google for it, the rat, but

http://guinness.joeuser.com/index.asp?AID=21002

I was born, raised, and currently live in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. I'm 23 years old, and recently graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in physics. I'm currently trying to figure out what to do with my life, but I'm paying the bills by doing free-lance web design and computer consulting.

and

I consider myself politically independent, but I tend to believe the government can and should serve to make people's lives better. I believe the "haves" have a responsibility to care for the "have-nots," and a democratic government is a decent way of organizing society to ensure these responsibilities are carried out. Some people call this philosophy "liberal."

I did exchange email with Robert Guinness last night. My quick take is he's sincere just .. young and doesn't realize the value of getting something to look at BEFORE putting up a link.

He does (he reports) believe in private enterprise where appropriate, that a government sponsored X-Prize is a good idea, tax breaks and so on. If he's really in a group that has the ear of Kerry's principle space advisor, it's worth cultivating a relationship.

Hi, this is Rob, whom you've been discussing. I'd be happy to discuss with anyone the KerrySpace site, and any concerns you might have.

It is not a scam. It is a website in progress. We are accepting donations, but we have full financial transparency, and you can see a list of the donations received on our site.

The site has grown out of our Yahoo Group, which has been active since February of this year. You are welcome to join the Yahoo group and join in the discussion.

As to Keith's comments about FEC regulations, I have discussed this at length with Keith. We are not violating any FEC regulations. I have consulted my lawyer, and I am confident we are in full compliance.

Thanks.

-rob

Hi, this is Rob, whom you've been discussing. I'd be happy to discuss with anyone the KerrySpace site, and any concerns you might have.

It is not a scam. It is a website in progress. We are accepting donations, but we have full financial transparency, and you can see a list of the donations received on our site.

The site has grown out of our Yahoo Group, which has been active since February of this year. You are welcome to join the Yahoo group and join in the discussion.

As to Keith's comments about FEC regulations, I have discussed this at length with Keith. We are not violating any FEC regulations. I have consulted my lawyer, and I am confident we are in full compliance.

Thanks.

-rob