MARK STEYN: Americans are tougher about these things now

The Sunday Telegraph ^ | February 2, 2003 | Mark Steyn

[jqpublic]

While I understand that every nation has a "voice" that feels it is necessary to deride the USA for its never-ending glories (today's tragedy is, in reality, a result of another in a long line of glorious accomplishments), why is it that the words uttered in ignorance by our "neighbors" or "friends" sting the most?

Perhaps worse is the silence that echoes from the lips of the populace who do not recant the slanderous comments.

May God bless the souls that were lost today - and protect the souls of those who continue to live our dreams and fight for our freedom.

J.Q.

[philman_36]

If you can find something from ACBWG (Apollo Reentry Communications Blackout Working Group) they might be able to help you with your questions.
Glossary of Abbreviations

[Grig]

The CBC is as socialist and anti-american as is possible to be. It is DU in drag.

The CBC is also ignored by most Canadians, if it wasn't for liberal, socialist anti-american politicians shoveling money to them, they would have gone belly up ages ago.

[VaBthang4]

Please do. Thanks.

[petuniasevan]

Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster Archive ^

[Britton J Wingfield]

I think it is still normal to have a brief interruption in downlink. I'm just a geeky layman, but that's th eimpression I'm under.

[Britton J Wingfield]

This is bound to knock the wind out of the sails for a bit I think

I think it will stiffen our resolve, if anything. We've learned to take a punch and keep hitting, so to speak.

[VaBthang4]

Man, some of those idiots over at DU dont know when to quit.

[RippleFire]

BUMP

[McGavin999]

If Mr Bush really wanted to emphasise the gulf between his country and both the Islamist cave dwellers and "Old Europe", he would announce a major renewal of the space project. A frontier is part of the US character.

Thank you Mark, for understanding us, these days it's rare indeed. President Bush should announce a renewal of the space project that will enhance his program of developing hydrogen fuel. One of the best things about the space program was the leaps and bounds that were made in the technology that enhanced our everyday lives. Let's not just renew the program, let's seek truely innovative solutions that can be applied to current problems.

God, I love America, and I love our people.

[BluH2o]

Nonetheless, this will not be as traumatisingly mesmeric as the Challenger disaster. The yellow-ribbon era died with September 11: even if their television networks haven't quite adjusted, Americans are tougher about these things; this is a country at war and one that understands how to absorb losses and setbacks.

I would agree with this ... I remember specifically where I was when I heard of the Challenger disaster, the same, of course, with 9/11. These events were etched in my memory much like Pearl Harbour was for my parents. This tragic event didn't impress me the same way ... it was more like hearing about the PanAm flight going down over Lockerbie(sp?), tragic certainly, and not taken lightly, but somehow not quite as searing in my memory.

[lainde]

Bttt for Steyn's insight and love of his adopted country...

[coydog]

As a Canadian, I say that CBC can rot for all I care. It's degenerated into Radio Havana North. I am still working to preserve the memory of when Canada actually had a decent air force and a shot at the space race and that mechanical arm waren't it.

[knighthawk]

Ping

[Dianna]

There's truth in this. Been thinking about this very thing in the back of my mind today. "What will it do to the process? What will it mean to the military, the Allies, etc. etc.?"

I don't agree at all. If anything, tragedy brings us closer together and stiffens our resolve. I never imagine America (in times of sorrow)as a woman, hysterically sobbing into her hankie. I see a man, a soldier, standing proudly at attention with his head held high and one single tear trailing down his cheek.

[Hildy]

Has anyone here been to the NASA space museum in Houston? It's absolutely awesome. And so hard to imagine that those first few spacecrafts contained pnlu computers equivalent to our modern pocket calculators!

[Leisler]

RE:"I think Ann Coulter would say we should not use ALL of our extra bombs on France."

Bombs? I'd say a couple of fairground 22.'s and some hobnail boots would have the stink of fresh, hot, frogie-feces in the air.

[George W. Bush]

If Mr Bush really wanted to emphasise the gulf between his country and both the Islamist cave dwellers and "Old Europe", he would announce a major renewal of the space project. A frontier is part of the US character.
...
The rest of us will mourn the dead and urge Nasa to get on with the next flight. That's the American way.

Big NASA bump. Steyn hits it on the head. Let's keep flying and build a new fleet of ships.

[Eala]

The CBC is also ignored by most Canadians

Thank you for this! It helps restore my faith that my (few) Canadian friends might still be representative of their fellow countrymen.

I retract the pox on Canada.

[FReethesheeples]

Good insights from a person who can be a brilliant political satirist, but who is striking some non-humorous, but thoughtful chords here.