[aristeides]

I think it was typical CYA as practised by bureaucrats. If it was the foam, it was the result of the (politically correct) failure to go back to the old foam after the EPA granted a waiver. That spells blame for some bureaucrats. It also potentially spells liability.

[aristeides]

By the way, there was a space reporter on Imus this morning who said that it would have been perfectly possible to find a way to save the astronauts: another shuttle could have been sent up to rescue them in about two weeks, and in the meantime they could have gotten supplies from rockets.

[lepton]

If it was the foam, it was the result of the (politically correct) failure to go back to the old foam after the EPA granted a waiver.

Most likely no one made the foam anymore.

[Jael]

I know we all hated to be right about this. Wonder where all the stalkers and bashers and haters of truth are now? Probably spending all their energy freeping Dixie Chricks polls.