We lost 7 of the best humans our race had to offer. To be on the shuttle you have to be the best... They came from many places, and backgrounds, but they were the best... this is NOT a national tragedy, but a global one...Exploration, science... these are the most pure things humans can do... these 7 were willing to risk death to do it- they gave their lives to explore the universe for us... They are heroes... HEROES OF THE GRANDEST KIND... They didnt die trying to oppose a different political ideal... nor did they die trying to kill other humans, they died on a mission to improve humanity... no politics, no religion, just humanity....
These 7 represent the BEST of all we can be... we should, and will, remember them... I hope their names, with others, will be inscribed on a memorial on a planet orbiting a distant star.....
The unknown is dangerous, that is why we explore it... My respect goes to the columbia 7....
I AM sad at the loss, and what it may do to our space program.... But I would happily fly if chosen if the risk was 25% mortality... we are way below that... we need to wake up and accept the risks! And accept that the risks are worth it!