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From: barb@oliven.UUCP (Barbara Jernigan)
Newsgroups: net.columbia
Subject: Re: Side comment on the disaster
Message-ID: <502@oliven.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 3-Feb-86 18:12:15 EST
Article-I.D.: oliven.502
Posted: Mon Feb  3 18:12:15 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 7-Feb-86 08:26:22 EST
References: <1264@mtuxo.UUCP>
Organization: Olivetti ATC; Cupertino, Ca
Lines: 25

> ...I was talking to my officemate, [and] In her opinion, the shuttle
> disaster is evidence that people shouldn't be going out to space
> ("Why can't they send robots?"), and perhaps the whole space program
> should be shut down, except for "routine" launchings of
> communications satellites.... I am saddened ...by the lessons being 
> "learned" from [the disaster].
> Rob Mitchell

Which warns us who *believe* in the Manned Space Program that we dare
not succumb to complacency.  Already the first throes of our shock and
grief are passing -- the opposition rises.  We MUST let our government
officials know the depth of our support for the Manned Space Program.
Now, they and the networks seem to be in support -- but two months from
now?  Let them know we WANT the program to continue -- that every step 
forward has a price, but we *learn* from it and still go on!

To quote Dick Scobey -- "You have to risk something to gain something,
and I'm willing to take that risk."  I am also willing to take the risks --
even if it means my own or my husband's life at some point in the future.
And I do not say this glibly.  

At this point, however, I cannot necessarily give my life -- but I can
commit my words.  As can all of you.

Barb