Lazy Sunday # 177: The End Of An Era

The last Space Shuttle launched this week.

There was a time I dreamed of going into space, maybe even making it to the Moon or Mars. That once seemed like a very possible reality. Now it seems a little less likely.

And somehow "Space Tourist" doesn't have the same ring to it as "Astronaut".

Shortly after the launch, I heard that NASA was letting 3200 people go and that 25,000 will eventually lose their jobs because there's no longer a Shuttle Program or something even grander and uplifting to replace it.

25,000 high tech jobs that required enormous education, dedication and intelligence -- all disappearing as Atlantis makes its final flight.

Maybe we'll find a new goal. Maybe all that talent and expertise will find a place somewhere else.

I hope so. All of us need the kind of excitement and delight and inspiration that "boldly going where no one has gone before" provided.

Yes, the Meek will inherit the Earth. But I always thought that was because the rest of us were going to the stars.

Enjoy Your Sunday.