It's tragic to watch the current fallout of the Columbia disaster. Certainly NASA, relevant manufacturers, and the United States Government will be asked to answer for any negligence which may have caused the loss of the shuttle and her seven crew. But I would implore anyone reading this not to conclude that the loss of the Columbia should mean the end of human spaceflight.

Today Gov. Ryan of Illinois commuted the death sentences of every inmate on Illinois' death row. This is wonderful news for someone who opposes the death penalty - and tragic at the same time. I'll get to my reasons for opposing the death penalty shortly, but first I need to write a bit about the political and social effects of Governor Ryan's act.