- Dear Mr. President and members of the US Senate and US
Congress:
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- We, the human race have again experienced a horrible
tragedy with the unfortunate loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia and a courageous
crew of seven astronauts on February 1, 2003. ALL are irreplacable.
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- I proudly served in our national space program from 1958
to 1992. I can readily recall during my last few years how NASA was FORCED,
due to Federal budget cuts, to lower their funding allocations. Many experienced
personnel were released from their critical work assignments. Some areas
that lost personnel were in Quality Assurance and Safety at the Kennedy
Space Center.
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- I ask all of you Honorable Representatives of our great
nation this important question: Would you delay or cancel guaranteed safety
for yourself or especially, your beloved family members? Of course, not!
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- NASA has been strapped for finances to upgrade safety
and other critical systems in our Space Shuttle Fleet for years. Yes, they
are safety conscious, but at a minimum due to this lack of Federal Funding.
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- Veteran Astronaut Dr. Story Musgrave stated on television
"these astronauts were striving to be the best they could be."
Now, please be the best all of you can be by advancing proper Federal budgets
and save future lives.
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- These brave astronauts were fulfilling a dream that turned
into a nightmare. It must NOT HAPPEN AGAIN due to a lack of funding for
this great cause.
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- PLEASE!! "Protect MY family" ... I have admired
and loved these astronauts like a brother or sister for many years. Now
my family has lost a total of seventeen intrepid members.
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- The solution is in your hands.
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- Clark C. McClelland
- Space Program Pioneer
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