Howlin: I'm all confused here; if we disagree with that, are we bickering? Are we just suppose to let them SAY that without it being refuted?
I'll speak for myself (not that any of you have tried to put words in my mouth, I am just offering my opinion). I don't have an answer, but it is my sense that many of these threads contain exchanges that are hostile and repetitive. I suppose, given the subject, that is inevitable.
After a time, the facts (regarding the tragic loss of the crew of the Columbia, and the vessel too) will speak for themselves, and put a good number of "conclusion jumpers" in a bad light.
I totally agree with your sentiment regarding NASA bashing. I am impressed with Dittemore's and NASA's response so far. I believe NASA was careful with this. Even though their gut told them the orbitor tiles were okay, they studied the potential effect of liftoff strikes against the tiles. Then, after the loss, they admitted that perhaps their study was flawed, and that they were reviewing that. When a big organization like NASA is open with facts like that, I develop trust in their statements.
I have to admit, I have expressed difference of opinion with a few who were claiming NASA had been negligent (that is, I haven't followed my own advice to keep my mouth shut), then I figured it was a waste of my energy, and in many cases, only served to encourage the other side to post a response.