Julia forwarded me a link to some pictures a freind of hers (Scott Zrubek, who lives in Clear Lake where Johnson Space Center is) took. Look.

I was particularly struck by the poster that said "all pakistanis mourn this national loss", and the other photo with the Latin phrase: "There is no easy way from the earth to the stars."

I know I've been posting almost nothing else but this for the last couple of days, but dammit, the space program is *near* and *dear* to my heart. I've been checking out a couple of blogs this morning and Melanie and Jennifer have entries that echo many of my thoughts. Janis and Adele echo my sentiments about the people who think we should scrap the space program.

The more I think about it, the more angry and upset I am at the supposedly enlightened response I got from fellow feminists with regards to recent events. I just CANNOT understand anyone who cannot see the value of continuing exploration into space. I am frustrated beyond belief at the lack of knowledge of what has come out of the space program and the lack of appreciation of it.

But then, I am the kind of person who wants so desperately to chase a night-time thunderstorm till I can see it from a high vantage point and actually witness red sprites and other recently discovered lightening phenomenon. I'm the kind of person who gets goosebumps just hearing about the discovery of the ceaolocanth, and who would DESPERATELY love to know more about giant squids. I'd give anything to explore space or live aboard the space station, and I miss science and research. I and my sweetie stared in utter fascination at pictures of the sun recently, and I feel privileged to live in this age, when the technology we've developed can increase our understanding of the universe by leaps and bounds.

Those who say we should scrap the space program lack any real imagination, and sense of awe or adventure in life. You can't convince me otherwise.