A surge in nationalistic pride seems to have drowned out questions being raised by some critics who say the space program is a costly and misplaced effort that merely repeats what other world powers achieved 40 years ago.Yes, the launch probably appeals to the masses. But Poor Ma Bin doesn't get it--where does he think the Communist Party's money comes from if not its citizens? Perhaps he's not paying any taxes.
Asked about the price of such an ambitious trip by a country that still has millions earning less than US$1 a day, building contractor Ma Bin shrugged: "This is not America, where money comes from the taxpayers. This is money of the Communist Party - they will do with it what they decide. It is great they are investing in something that makes us proud."
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