Yes, it's a shame that Barack Obama (who I support) had to change his space/science policy in the middle of the campaign. I personally believe this was because he originally had not given the topic enough thought/time, and when he really looked into the issue, he realized that he needed to increase his support. At least unlike Bush, he is able to make appropriate changes. Al Davis (owner of the Oakland Raiders) famously says, "I'd rather be right than consistent."
Also, you are right - many people are significantly influenced by emotions (not rational thought). From the movie "Matrix Reloaded" - "But we already know what you are going to do, don't we? Already, I can see the chain reaction - the chemical precursors that signal the onset of an emotion, designed specifically to overwhelm logic and reason - an emotion that is already blinding you from the simple and obvious truth."
Emotions are both our greatest strength and our greatest weakness. As with anything in life, they should be balanced with the appropriate level of objective rational thought.
I can only hope that the emotions which fuel our desire for discovery and our thirst for knowledge increase...who knows, perhaps real space tourism and the retirement of the Shuttle in the coming years will spark a renewed interest and help fuel these emotions once again.
Take care.
Regards, Vince