A Discovery followup

A friend of ours pointed out that we looked a bit foolish after making such a fuss over the decision to launch on Independence Day, being as how Discovery's mission has gone pretty well.

Upon further review, we stick with our position. We are grateful to God Almighty for His protection of this (and every) shuttle flight. We're thankful nothing has happened. We hope nothing ever again happens.

But we are not optimistic. As long as public relations and politics wags the dog at NASA, instead of safety, security and prudence, there is a growing chance of catastrophic mishap. Worse, these clowns realize it, but consider it an acceptable risk.

Had something happened to Discovery on Independence Day, the day itself would be tainted for years. Symbolism is important, but it can just as easily work against you as for you. There are good reasons no manned American flight had ever used our nation's birthday as a launching date.

There still are.