Russia's fading scientific prospects-- harbinger of things to come for the US Space Program?

I first read this in the Washington Post thanks to a friend who sent it to me... here's an excerpt from the Charlotte Observer:

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/12/23/2870280/russias-scientific-prospects-are.html

What I find sad... and frightening about this is that is seems like the same fate is being guaranteed for the US Space Program and space science. Do you agree? We want to hear from you!