Non-intervention in interplanetary affairs

 As the military budget surpasses one trillion dollars, over $3000 per capita, planetary exploration is scaled back (to $4.00 per capita). Soon, we'll have to just be content watching the Chinese missions.

Obama’s budget would cut Mars program, solar system exploration
The Obama administration’s budget would hit the NASA division that sends rovers to Mars and probes to Jupiter.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/presidents-next-budget-to-cut-mars-solar-system-exploration/2012/02/08/gIQAvrm3zQ_story.html

▻ Scientists briefed on the proposed budget said that the president’s plan drops funding for planetary science at NASA from $1.5 billion this year to $1.2 billion next year, with further cuts continuing through 2017.