There is something vaguely ludicrous about NASA grounding shuttle commander Robert ”Hoot” Gibson for taking part in a ”high-risk recreational activity” (an air race). After all, as a shuttle astronaut, Gibson is employed in perhaps the riskiest occupation on, or off, the Earth. The dangers of his recreational activities pale by comparison. Perhaps NASA is saying,
”If our astronauts are going to get hurt, we want to be the ones to do it.”
NASA, in its attempts to promote an image of efficiency and professionalism, has largely suppressed the individuality of its crew members. The public sees astronauts not as dynamic individuals but a uniform group of well-trained but personality-less clones. Hoot Gibson has been an exception, and is being punished for his lack of conformity off the job.
