Serious Blow to NASA

It is a shame on every level. A talented and brilliant astronaut and mother being accused of attempted murder and attempted to kidnap. It is also a shame that NASA will, in a way, be incriminated by its association with Lisa Nowak. The fact that the agency doesn't do periodic psychological evaluations (Nowak hasn't had one in 10 years, according to various news sources) is already shedding a negative light on NASA.

NASA has been the one institution that has been largely free of scandal among its representatives. Postal employees (those heroically seen delivering our mail against snow, rain, etc.) went "postal" decades ago and we are, sadly, no longer surprised by the occasional shooting at one of their locations. Teachers, known as one of the cornerstones of a community, have become popular fodder of porn magazines and America's Most Wanted. But astronauts have remained heroes.

I remember growing up in the 1960s and 70s and school coming to a complete halt around midday as we gathered into a large room and watched a space walk or a man on the moon. One time they even served hot dogs! It doesn't get much more American than that. One of my proudest moments I have had as an adult was spending time with Alan Shepard (a very good friend of a friend) who was the only man to golf on the moon. Since that time NASA itself has faced its share of disasters, but astronauts themselves have represented the agency with dignity. I'm afraid Nowak has affected that perception.

I, for one, still know great teachers. I have family that worked in the postal service and know they represented their agency well. I think it is important to size up individuals and not allow the negative actions of one reflect negatively on the many. Finally, I think we should keep this woman in all of our thoughts. She was clearly well accomplished and simply reached an emotional or pyschological state of disaster.