Think of it this way... You know you're driving a Hoopty if you own a car that:
- was over 30 years old
- you had to pull over on the interstate frequently and check under the hood
- you had to rebuild and repaint it every time you went on a long road trip
- guzzled more gas than Ted Kennedy on a weekend binge at the vineyard
- you couldn't install the most up-to-date audio system and gadgets in it because the car is beyond upgradable (i.e. don't want to blow the wiring)
- parts fall off every time you drive it
- every time you stop you can't get out until all the toxic waste is removed
- you have a one in ten chance of dying every time you drive it

In other words, if you were still driving a Hoopty around don't you think it's time to trade it in for something a little more dependable. At $500+ million per launch, we're wasting too much time and money on the shuttle fleet. The Russians would be more than happy to sell us some larger rockets to continue the space station construction, and our Deltas can put up satellites at a much cheaper cost. Take the money saved and buy something better. Why drive a 1970's Pinto when you can drive a 2005 Cadillac for much less.

Yes we have the best space program in the world, but I think the U.S. deserves a better fleet of space vehicles and Discovery's latest mission has shown us that our current Hoopty fleet is no longer worth it. It's time to move on. There are plenty of trailer parks down in Florida that would love using them as lawn ornaments.

UPDATE: Thanks to Ace of Spades for linking the post. Damn, now I'm really going to owe him a beer. He's in line behind the round I owe Dave at Garfield Ridge.