The end of the space shuttle marks a retreat in America's ambitions

[opebo]

When you are about to go bankrup, I guess you've other things to do than space travels. Maybe it's sad, but let's be a tad realistic.

'About to go bankrupt'?  What nonsense - america's difficulties - including inadequate funding of space boondoggles, is entirely the result of an easily rectified under-taxation of the privileged class.

[opebo]

It marks a retreat from the unreasonable and extravagant, not from ambition.  Besides, our ambitions should be aimed towards a few more pressing issues than...whatever the point of sending people to space is.

The only issue more pressing is the one which prevents space exploration, decent lives for the toiling mass, and any number of other worthwhile projects - and that is the maximization of privilege (inadequate taxation).

All of our society's 'values' are sacrificed upon the golden toilet bowl.

[opebo]

How does the scrapping of decades-old technology mark a retreat in 'America's ambitions' (whatever they are)?

Perception.