MSNBC Discovery Liftoff

View multiple angles of today's shuttle launch.
http://msnbc.com/modules/spaceshuttle/discoverylaunch/

I disagree with those who come up with so many excuses as to why we should stop the shuttle missions. Had today's launch ended in tragedy, the media would have argued that it was time to stop the program. They would have brought on all of these experts who would have commented on the amount of money wasted and questioned the missions goals. I think it's unfair. Do these people not care what lies out in space or other planets? How do they expect us ever to reach into deep space without a shuttle program? The pundits sit on the sideline so quick to jump on the opportunity to point out what is wrong with NASA. What happens if the SETI program finally makes contact?

If you get a chance I recommend you watch the NOVA programs on the missions to Mars.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/mars/