Some have tried to paint John Glenn's latest journey as political, i.e. wasteful, an expensive gimmick billed to taxpayers. Cynical analyses blast from the radios in our Japanese and German cars. Even if scientists don't learn much from his blood, there are lessons to be had from his heart. Glenn wanted this mission so much that he probably did pull every string available to him. But his motives, if not his methods, were pure.
Lives have worth, and they have symmetry.
There is a certain beautiful symmetry, not just for Glenn, but for all Americans in this hero's return to space. This time he had a history tailing his spaceship, a lifetime of friends and memories, admirers and Marine buddies, to ride right along. E.W. Scripps Publications , All Rights Reserved. Site users are subject to our User Agreement . We also have a Privacy Policy .