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One Reporter's Opinion: Grief Is the Common Leveler George PutnamIt is this reporter's opinion that, shocked by the recent Columbia space shuttle tragedy, it is time for us to revisit the value we place on life. How fragile life really is. We grieve along with their families the loss of seven astronauts who, having probed the heavens, were denied a safe return to their loved ones on Earth.
These few were afforded and chose the risks involved in space travel. Theirs was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to break the bonds of Earth and etch their names in scientific research. Theirs was the privilege to dwell among history's brave men and women adventurers.
But should the loss of these heroic space travelers, with all of their accomplishments - past and yet uncounted - be more or less valued than the least of us? Each of us plays a role that is equally important in this world. In each loss of the dozen or more who this day may perish in a traffic accident, or die in a random drive-by shooting, or whom surgery or medical science may fail to save - the grief of loved ones is irreconcilable regardless of age or accomplishment, fame or fortune. For grief is the common leveler.
In tribute to the astronauts, the seven brave "risk takers," we should recall the words of Richard Nixon written at the time of his own grief and despair,
"One man may have opportunities that others do not; but what counts is whether the individual used the chances he had. Did he risk all when the stakes were such that he might win or lose all? Did he seek the opportunities to use his talents to the utmost in causes that went beyond personal consideration. A man who has never lost himself in a cause bigger than himself has missed one of life's mountaintop experiences. Only in losing himself does he find himself. Only then does he discover all the latent strengths he never knew he had and which otherwise would have remained dormant."
Is the life of one who attains the highest office in the land more important than yours? Nixon didn't think so. For, with the loss of these great lives, we all lose a little bit of ourselves ... only to find something deeper within.
The legendary George Putnam is 88 years young and a veteran of 68 years as a reporter, broadcaster and commentator ... and is still going strong. George is part of the all-star line-up of Southern California's KPLS Radio - Hot Talk AM 830. Click here for George's complete bio ... and check out a new feature article in "Insight" magazine on George:
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