Edited by author 02-25-2003 07:51 PM
A hero is someone who gives his, or her own life for another's benefit. Such as throwing oneself atop a handgrenade to save the life of another. Or, such as those who rushed into the Twin Towers to render aid to those in need, knowing that they were most likely sacrificing their lives for the good of others. But the Shuttle Columbia astronauts?, no way they were hero's. They were volunteers. They knew the risks. They didn't intentionally sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others. They were astronauts because of the money and the adventure, not sacrifice. True they are unfortunate victims of NASA safety practices, but that doesn't make them hero's.

See "Space Shuttle Safety" under new topic.