Support For Shuttle, Space Exploration Steady Despite Accident, Poll

Two-thirds of Americans say the space shuttle should
continue to fly despite two disastrous accidents, but enthusiasm for
putting civilians aboard is declining, an Associated Press poll finds.

I have to say, the day Columbia was lost I was pretty damn terrified about the
program being gutted, but I guess I don't give people enough credit in some
regards...

However, I think the public is still pretty damn misinformed about what a
"civilian" is in the space program...pilots aside, I guess they don't consider
the dozens of mission specialist astronauts who never served in the military
"civilians", or the Payload Specialists who worked for NASA contractors.

To name one minor area where I think the public is pretty damn misinformed
among many...

-A.L.

I have to say, the day Columbia was lost I was pretty damn terrified about
the
program being gutted, but I guess I don't give people enough credit in some
regards...

We were lucky in that respect. But I fear most the following....

To save time because the ISS needs supplies we are NOT doing a head to tail
safety review. NASA says that would take as long as challengers stand down.

Now the same management team that brought us Columbia and their motto appeared
its safe since it didnt cause a problem approved all those existing safety
waivers.

Is this a safe way to fly?

I shudder at peoples opinion of NASA if we have another lost vehicle and crew
anytime soon. The safety board that investigates THAT one will likely lay the
responsiblity on this board and rushing return to flight.

NASA will get trashed, we will be down another orbiter and the public opinion
may ground manned space for a lifetime...