What will be our Sputnik?

After reading the article about how the Sputnik inspired many students of the United States to become scientists I came to the realization that we need to inspire our youth in a similar fashion today. I agree with Friedman that too much money and national attention is spent on the war. More money should be spent on STEM education-as the world's future hangs in peril facing many threatening environmental issues. If the nation made saving the planet a priority -it could be our Sputnik. The compassion and conern for the planet would hopefully inspire our youth once again to enter the STEM workforce.