Reply #25: Wow!

[EST]

I have read the thread that developed since we posted. Being hopelessly naive (which isn't always such a bad thing,) I didn't immediately connect the names and dots on this deal. This is wonderful if true, a sad comment on the average integrity in America if not.
How sad that the fires of hope and enthusiasm can be so easily fanned or damped and that there are, as in any other human endeavor, opportunists who think nothing of preying on innocents of unimpeachable character.
When any organization has the responsibility for the safety and security of human beings, such as NASA or the military, any mistakes that are made, except for a few notable exceptions, are hauled out on public display and examined in great detail. Any exceptions to this, always of the CYA-cover your butt variety, are mercilessly harassed by the press and citizens, as well as the other staff of such organizations, until the responsible party relents and the appropriate changes are made to improve safety.
When, especially with obvious danger threatening, an incompetent bunch of self-righteous hooligans tries to hide its miscalculations by denying any examination or challenge, as the fascists-in-charge are doing, the general jumpiness of the citizenry leaves us open to all sorts of chicanery and manipulation. I am so thankful for the stout hearted among us whose toughness of mind demands proof and whose rigor keeps me more grounded.
Strangely, that makes me feel a little safer.