Mike,

>Uh, Walter -- the Russian space program outperformed the U.S.? Are you kidding me? Quoting the late, great American comedian Sam Kinison, "If you want to impress us, bring back our flag!!!" Sam included an adjective I will leave out.

I'm not saying that they overall outperformed the US, but look at the following:
Lets see.
First satelite
First life in space
First Man in space
First space station
Longest stay in space.

The point is not about the most advanced technology, but how you apply it. This not only applies to space technology but also other fields where the russian certainly were not stupid: Medical.

Walter,