Originally posted by Grimm
First off, It does nothing to help the families of the columbia crew. It doesnt help Nasa, It really doesnt do anything for anyone involved in the lost. If you care, Do something that will at least possibly help future crews or the losses of the families involved.
Yes, drop NASA a line and remind them that the damned Titanic at least had SOME lifeboats!
Ask them why they didn't bother to inspect the shuttle even though it was relatively easy to do.
Ask them why they never even discussed the possiblity of tile damage with the crew, but instead, did some base analysis, crossed their fingers and whistled past the graveyard. Complacency kills.
Ask NASA why they have absolutely no contingency plans for inflight damage. Ask why they haven't used DuPont's two-part ceramic repair material (quite literally troweled on the effected area like cement) designed for exactly this type of repair.
Write letters to your local newspapers, your Congressmen, write NASA directly.
I have published a piece in Newsday, asking those tough questions. NASA declined to respond, citing that the investigation was still under way. However, they know we are watching and will hold their feet to the fire.
If you really want to make a difference, write a letter, send an e-mail, make a phone call. Contribute to one of the several trusts set up to benefit the children of those who died. Do something of substance. Flybys are nice gestures, but all they can be are gestures. No one but those who participate will know about it. Instead, do something that can really count.
My regards,
Widewing