[Timesink]

Were does this fit in, historicaly, as to national shocks over the last 62 years? 1) Attack on Pearl Harbor 2) 9/11 3) JFK assasinated 4) Reagan shot 5) Challenger 6) Columbia

Columbia is definitely at the bottom of that list. The world simply hasn't stopped today like it has with other national shocks, including Challenger. Most of the mailing lists I subscribe to continue to receive posts as if today's disaster did not occur at all; the people in the Best Buy I was in this morning when the news broke just said, "Oh, that's bad," and went on about their shopping.

[lawdude]

"...the people in the Best Buy I was in this morning when the news broke just said, "Oh, that's bad," and went on about their shopping."

The sad fact is, there will be that many people killed in Texas road accidents today. While this incident is terrible and worthy of news, much of the hype is just that. I hope NASA can provide answers soon. Even though a large percentage of Freepers will poo-poo any report.

BTW, I worked on a portion of the electronics installed on the shuttle. Part of me died today also!

God be with the Astronauts and survivors.