Liftoff Of Discovery & North Korea's Missiles: A Study In Contrast
Robert Paul Reyes
July 05, 2006
America, the world's greatest democracy, celebrated Independence Day with the liftoff of the space shuttle Discovery.
Under a clear Florida sky, the shuttle's glorious ascent brought shouts of joy from hundreds of NASA employees, guests and astronauts. Millions more Americans took a break from their picnics to witness the magnificent technological achievement.
The sight of Discovery blazing skyward speaks of the greatness of America, more eloquently than a thousand fireworks displays.
On the same day North Korea, the world's most oppressive totalitarian state, test-fired six missiles including a long-range Taepodong-2, defying warnings from the United States and other concerned nations that the tests would be regarded as a provocation.
While the liftoff of the Discovery was a resounding success as it flew to the heavens, the firing of the long-range Taepodong-2 missile was a resounding failure, falling harmlessly into the Sea of Japan, thousands of miles short of its intended target.
North Korea's actions are a senseless provocation, that inflames tensions with her neighbors and with the world.
America's launching of Discovery is an example of nations working together for the good of humankind. On board the Discovery is an European astronaut bound for the International Space Station.
On this day after Independence Day, I'm grateful that I don't live in a poverty-stricken totalitarian state that wastes billions on missiles, but in a nation whose technological might is matched by its commitment to democracy and peace.
Under a clear Florida sky, the shuttle's glorious ascent brought shouts of joy from hundreds of NASA employees, guests and astronauts. Millions more Americans took a break from their picnics to witness the magnificent technological achievement.
The sight of Discovery blazing skyward speaks of the greatness of America, more eloquently than a thousand fireworks displays.
On the same day North Korea, the world's most oppressive totalitarian state, test-fired six missiles including a long-range Taepodong-2, defying warnings from the United States and other concerned nations that the tests would be regarded as a provocation.
While the liftoff of the Discovery was a resounding success as it flew to the heavens, the firing of the long-range Taepodong-2 missile was a resounding failure, falling harmlessly into the Sea of Japan, thousands of miles short of its intended target.
North Korea's actions are a senseless provocation, that inflames tensions with her neighbors and with the world.
America's launching of Discovery is an example of nations working together for the good of humankind. On board the Discovery is an European astronaut bound for the International Space Station.
On this day after Independence Day, I'm grateful that I don't live in a poverty-stricken totalitarian state that wastes billions on missiles, but in a nation whose technological might is matched by its commitment to democracy and peace.
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