Uniting to support a good cause makes a lot of sense, and a number of astronauts would agree. That is why more than 100 former astronauts have joined to create a nonpartisan organization called Astronauts for America.
What do they believe? They support democracy here in America, and have links on their site to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Should astronauts really need to join together to repeat what we should already be doing? Apparently so, from what they are saying, which is quite a statement about our current state of affairs. It is not only NASA and the US government that is under attack these days (by the US government, mind you). It is democracy itself.
This letter from the groups says it all:
To Our Fellow Americans:
Looking at the Earth from space, we see what unites us more than what divides us. As former NASA astronauts, that perspective shapes everything we do.
We view our oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution as a lifelong commitment. And today, with the launch of Astronauts For America, we take on a new mission: to reinvigorate American democracy. It’s a critical mission that depends upon all of our vigilance and support.
For decades we’ve seen a steady erosion of our founding values and principles that weakens our democratic systems. The result has been political polarization and subversion of key constitutional and institutional norms, including bipartisan cooperation, executive constraint, and judicial independence.
In spaceflight, ignoring evidence costs scientific advancement, mission success, and even lives. In democracy, it costs trust, stability, international respect, and the health and well-being of the governed.
If you’re like us, you might not be used to talking about politics outside of your home. We didn’t spend time discussing who we voted for when we were working in the NASA Astronaut Corps. We know the importance of respecting one another and speaking up when things don’t look right. We’ve seen what Americans can achieve when we work as a team toward a common goal.
Our new mission is patriotic, not partisan. We are Republicans, Democrats, and Independents from many different backgrounds who share a love of this country. We believe deeply in the principles that have propelled our nation for 250 years, such as the rule of law, constructive checks and balances, equal opportunity, and the peaceful transfer of power. A strong democracy makes all else possible: economic growth, national security, and our rights and freedoms.
Astronauts For America will partner with voters and support leaders, regardless of party, who govern in accordance with the Constitution and work out differences to get things done for the good of the nation. We’ll also take officials to task when they ignore the rule of law or distort and disregard the facts.
We’re calling on all our fellow patriots to join us in this mission and put country over party. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, remember the democratic values that have allowed our nation to excel. We encourage you to sign the pledge and join our crew at AstronautsForAmerica.org.
We are very grateful for the opportunities provided to us by this great country which allowed us to live our version of the American Dream. Together, let’s ensure that America remains a land of opportunity and a beacon of democracy for another 250 years.
Sincerely,
The Members of Astronauts For America
On the group’s website you can sign a pledge to support democracy and also contribute to their cause.
If we going to plant another US flag on the surface of the Moon in two years, let’s make sure that flag means something that we can be proud of more than 250 years after the founding of the country. And if this group of astronauts can help to make that happen, then I am a supporter.
Our Awesome Universe 