Common Sense for the Biochemist

I have previously stated my opinions on NASA here. So with the successful(granted) launch of Discovery and $1 billion in supposed safety improvements what progress has the shuttle program made? I'll admit, chunking 15+ tons of equipment into space at speeds of 17,000 mph is no small feat. But its time for the shuttle to retire. Lets take the $1 billion (maybe $2 billion, $1 billion was not enough last time) they will inevitably be given for further repairs and spend it on development of a new "shuttle style" vehicle in the private sector. The NASA Shuttle program has shown us what engineering feats they can (or can not) accomplish, its time to start shopping around! Alright, enough ranting, back to work!