Because we have nothing better do with our money...

NASA is hoping to build an elevator to outer space. A carbon filament ribbon will stretch from a platform floating above the equator to a space station. A lifting device will carry cargo from the platform into space. If it works it will drastically decrease the expense related to moving equipment into space. Which makes sense, but do we really need it right now? And what is the purpose of going back to the moon? Is it just to prove that the space program has not slipped past their 1969 capabilities? I know there are a lot of happy sci fi fans out there, but we have much more pressing issues here on this planet, and there are millions of better ways to waste money.