The author of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a "time to mourn and a time to rejoice". The tragic news about Space Shuttle Columbia's disintergration upon re-entering the Earth's orbit last Saturday has left the nation in a position of mourning for the dead seven crew members and an outpouring of sympathy for their family and loved ones. We all know that risk is inherent with space exploration. Risk is nothing more than the probability of loss associated with some known activity. Risk can never be eliminated but it can be reduced with the proper techniques. Our task in life is to pursue the most plausible risk-management strategy whenever possible. The reality of risk is causing some pundits to suggest that because of the Columbia and Challenger tragedies now is the time to discontinue "manned" space exploration flights. Such Neo-Luddite positions are understandable but they are inimical to human progress. No one likes tragedies, yet tragedies in a peculair way often spur technological advancement. The growth or radiospectrum and nautical engineering was an outgrowth of the Titanic Disaster. We should reject all attempts to limit science and engineering creativity. The best way to commemorate the lives of the lost Columbia crew members is to celebrate what they stood for and the ultimate sacrifice they made so that progress can continue. QED

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2003

Answers

AMEN and AMEN Brother

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2003

Hmmm... I say that I fully agree. God has given us the wonderful gift of knowledge, exploration, and things of that nature. We have to go on. We just have to. The thought of stopping the exploration of the wonders of the universe is ridiculous. Just as Bush said: those astronauts believed in what the were doing and were willing to do it, even if the risks were astronomically high. They would want us to continue. So would everyone else who gave up their very lives for all sorts of advancement. I agree fully, Mr. Dickens. =)

--Ragin' Cajun

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2003