[Mamzelle]

ex astronaut--that means your life consists of running around going to other ex astronauts' funerals. Or running for office, or fronting for various bogus institutions. Check out the varied post-Nasa histories of the astronauts, and you'll be underwhelmed.

[weegee]

Look at NASA's post-moon misson accomplishments (especially considering the time frame) and you'll really be underwhelmed.

The astronauts I've talked with are put out with how little has been accomplished in the decades since.

[billorites]

"Check out the varied post-Nasa histories of the astronauts, and you'll be underwhelmed. "

Neil Armstrong had the right idea.

After the Apollo 11 flight was over, the first man to walk on the moon took a hike.

[Greybird]

Or running for office, or fronting for various bogus institutions.

Such as Frank Borman being the president of Boeing? Yeah, right.

O'course, Senator John Glenn was a member of an institution that churns out bogosity by the ton, but it's hardly fair to call the Senate a "bogus institution."

These men, including Glenn, are heroes. I had to watch "The Right Stuff" last night on HBO3 to get some respite from the endless wailing -- very little being genuinely respectful to the dead -- that began this past weekend. And to remember when we conquered frontiers.

[anymouse]

Mamzelle,

Underwelmed by "ex-astronaut" achievments?

Numerous former astronauts went on to found, head or at least participate as a director in numerous private and public companies. One ran for President. Three become Senators. Several wrote best selling books. Nearly all have been active in charitable organizations. Several have gone on to make significant technical accomplishments.

Buzz himself has accomplished many of the achievements listed above. He also climbed out of the pit of depression after consistently being reminded that he was merely the 2nd man to land on the Moon.

Guys like Buzz expect a lot from themselves and don't take kindly to those who belittle their sacrifies, just to gin up some quick cash playing upon weak minds.