Well, this would be great news, and yet another good reason to reelect Bush...if it's true:

President Bush wants to send Americans back to the moon — and may leave a permanent presence there — in a bold new vision for space exploration, administration officials said yesterday.

The return to the moon would be for the purpose of technological advancements in technology, including energy exploration and testing a military rocket engine.

And a permanent presence likely will include robots and communication satellites.

The story says that Bush is likely to announce such a plan on December 17th, the 100th anniversary of the Wright Bros. first flight. But I've heard similar rumors before, so I'll believe it not only when I hear it, but when the bill is actually passed and funding's approved.

Still, it would be good to hear an expression of vision and reaffirmation in the space program.