Challenger's Crew Mentioned By A Presidential Candidate
Keith’s note: At the beginning of 20:25 into this video, Gov. Romney repeats a story he has told about an American flag flown on Space Shuttle Challenger’s last mission at the request of a Boy Scout troop and how it was recovered – virtually intact – after the loss of Challenger. For the record, I served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. I have built memorials to the crews of Challenger and Columbia with my own hand on a remote island near the North Pole and helped facilitate on the summit of Mt. Everest.
As such, this issue is personal and I am very protective of the legacy of Challenger and Columbia crews and their families. In this video, the flag that flew on Challenger is presented on the stage and the crew of Challenger is mentioned honorably. As such, this video is worth watching. We all rant and rave about this and that when it comes to space policy – but there are a number of families for whom these issues are deeply personal – lest we ever forget.
I have no idea what the point of his story about the flag is.
Also, I think it is inappropriate that the Boy Scouts of America allow their name to be used in connection with any particular political candidate.
Gov. Romney is recalling an event that happened to him. No one can stop him from recalling that event. The Boy Scouts did not endorse him. He also mentions NASA, the Challenger families too. Does he need their permission?
No one can stop him from recalling that event.
I did not say that anyone should; however, I did not see his point in recalling it.
The Boy Scouts did not endorse him.
It wasn’t just a mention. By allowing their members to state their BSofA affiliation in an obvious political rally speech, I think the endorsement is strongly implied.
This should apply to NASA employees also, but not to private citizens like Challenger families.
You may disagree.
I’ve always admired that work, Keith. Thanks.
It was an honor – and I truly mean that – to be able to work with those amazing families.
Nice video. Meter just notched a little to the right in Romney’s favor.
Thanks for posting this Keith. The Shuttle part is no where near the start of the video, glad it wasn’t as I listened to the whole speech and can identify with the genuine hope and change Romney speaks of and not just the words of hope and change from the President but the action behind it. Romney being a scout leader shows he didn’t just wake up yesterday and developa checklist to volunteer to pad his resume.
Fred,
The entire content of this video could just about have been presented by videotape, since he basically said the exact same things that he’s said over and over. Unfortunately, as usual, he claims he’s going to do this, that and the other thing, but offers no details at all about how these things can be accomplished. He continues to overlook the fact that some of these things he claims he’s going to change are mutually exclusive — and that all of them are going to cost money, while he continues to say he’s going to reduce the debt. It just doesn’t add up.
He stated again that he would run the nation the same way as he’s run his state. However, his state is full old money families who have contributed largely to what has been accomplished in his state. He certainly would not have the same scale of resources to draw on running the country, so his like-my-state model isn’t going to work, unless he drives taxes (everybody’s taxes) way up.
He said, yet again, that he has a plan. Many of his public speaking supporters have also said he has a plan. It’s become the Republican motto. Yet after all these months, not a single detail of his alleged plan has been revealed to us.
Situations like this video make it look good for him, but keep in mind that he’s preaching to the already converted at these rallies.
The truth is in the details. We are still waiting to hear any of the details, and there’s only one day left to go.
You should keep your comments shorter and to the point. I don’t think your as interesting as you think you are.
Fred,
To be honest, I don’t think I’m very interesting at all. I do try to write comments that are not ambiguous, so I guess it ends up being too many words. Then again, at least I can spell properly.
Steve
Then again, at least I can spell properly.
* boom tish *
You might want to remind people that you are Canadian. Your comments are welcome but at the end of the day this is a foreign country’s election …
Keith,
You’re absolutely right, of course, and I have pointed out at times in the past that I’m Canadian, and so I’m not really entitled to an opinion on American politics. At the same time, though, American federal politics often has a significant impact on other countries, including Canada, so it’s very difficult to take only a casual interest. Within the context of what I post on NASA Watch, I generally try to keep my comments relevant to NASA and space issues, but election issues have made that hard. My apologies to anyone who feels I’ve been out of line speaking out.
Steve
The loss of Challenger (and Columbia) is one of those events that everyone remembers where they were when they heard the news. Never forget.
First of all y’all, it’d be great if you kept all politics away from the comments unless it’s space politics.
Second, story starts at 20:25.
Lastly, the story is a testament to NASA, not Romney.