[Cincinatus]

My question was rhetorical, not directed at you personally. I agree that if the scenario you outline could be proven, it would be very bad indeed. However, I know a lot of these guys and there's just no way that could be true. A more likely scenario is that they refused to face reality and brought back Columbia on a wish and a prayer.

[William McKinley]

I hear that. I was not meaning to imply malfeasance- more I was stating how a potential story might play out in the media.

I am much less cynical. I worked in a hazardous industry, and while I know that mistakes can be made and covered up, I also know that overwhelmingly those who work in those industries tend to take safety and tragedy avoidance very, very seriously.

I consider NASA to have a high percentage of heros.