Quote Originally Posted by TheGrey View Post
I was in the dayroom of the vo-tech, watching the launch before my class started. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

I disagree with the idea of stacking death against death. Every death diminishes us in some way; these astronauts represented a much bigger picture, and a far loftier and hopeful goal. They were our bridge to the stars. They were never alone; those of us avidly following the story of the Challenger and her crew were with them in spirit.
Yep, me, too. Yes, death is an everyday occurrence. But it's not, to me, simply a matter of "they knew the risk, they took the risk". Our forefathers, the founders of our country, "knew the risk and took the risk" of rebelling against the king. I'm glad they chose to take the risk just like I'm glad others take risk on my behalf.

All of us have benefited immensely from the space program and it's been a source, rightly so, of tremendous national pride. I'm glad they crew of the Challenger, and Columbia, and all the others before and after were willing to take the risk.