Space and Science Comments at Democratic National Convention
Astronaut Mark Kelly “Thank you, everyone. I speak to you tonight as the proud son of two New Jersey cops; as a veteran of 39 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm and of 25 years in the United States Navy. And as a former NASA astronaut who flew four missions to space. My decades as a pilot, military officer, and astronaut gave me a unique perspective. From above, I saw our country at its best. I also saw humanity at its worst. I saw us lead an international coalition against the illegal invasion of Kuwait. I also saw the devastating human effects of war itself. From orbit, I saw our planet as a perfect blue marble. But I also saw shrinking glaciers and rainforests. At war and in space, I saw American leadership on display. But I was always frustrated to return to a country that struggles to address some of our biggest problems here at home.”
Governor Jerry Brown: “As we just saw, climate change is unlike any other threat we humans face. It is overarching and affects the entire earth and all living things. It is slow. It is relentless. And it is subject to irreversible tipping points and vast unknowns. Combating climate change, the existential threat of our time, will take heroic effort on the part of many people and many nations. Make no mistake, climate change is REAL. The vast majority of world leaders and climate scientists, like those at NASA and the Department of Defense – indeed, almost anyone who chooses to think – believes in the science of climate change and sees the moral imperative to take action.”
Not much of a shout out for NASA and space exploration.
One speaker at RNC mentioned space and NASA. Two speakers did so at DNC.
Disagree: had Kelly have waxed philosophical, eyes would have watered immediately.
But there’s gold between the lines, particularly from Mr. Brown: the premise that the smartest people work at NASA. Indeed while those of us harping about NASA’s heels whine about this, or that, NASA enjoys a-well, stellar reputation.
I will forever be angry with Chicago newspaper columnist Mike Royko, who ignorantly gave Jerry Brown the nickname Governor Moonbeam. Later he apologized, realizing he damaged a person who he came to admire.
This still saddens me. Too little, too late:
https://news.google.com/new…
I worked for Jerry Brown. Sometimes we found that nickname useful 🙂
While it was fun as an insider joke, I ran as a Jerry Brown delegate to the DNC and I found the term used externally a major hindrance. It was hard to solicit votes from people who laughed in your face. Oh well…. Lotta water under the bridge since then.
Positive comments, unlike those at the other convention
Space exploration is a nonpartisan ho-hum afterthought for both parties. I believe it either has to do with the educational system; or is more likely due to the overabundance of lawyers making our decisions. Sorry, not very hopeful this am. Hope you guys are right about the wonderful business opportunity in space. I frankly don’t see it…and I don’t think our government is up to it. What a terrible thing to say. My father would be turning over in his urn.