This thread is a troubling reflection of the new American psyche in terms of apprehending and dealing with danger and risk inherent in national undertakings. We are more than simply conditioned to expect deathless high-risk national endeavors--we have come to
demand them. We simply will not tolerate loss of life, regardless of the issue. In a month, maybe two, we will likely begin a military attack of Iraq. How many deaths will be tolerated before a panicked public starts demanding withdrawal of American forces and the punishment of all elected officials and military leaders involved? Not many, I suspect. The anti-war forces, liberal and faux conservative alike, are already preparing for the event. How many FReepers will join them? Most of them posting on this thread, I suspect.
The loss of the Columbia crew was very sad and unfortunate. Our reponse to it tells us much about our own risk aversion as it does anything else.
I fear your sentiments are correct. Has anyone ever considered that perhaps NASA actually did think that the damage was insignificant and that is why no "fixes" were attempted?