In a Nation of Cynics
Journalists are often accused of dwelling on bad news, fixing our gaze on the warts of the world, and let's face it: If we're going to be honest about this, we have no choice but to plead guilty to the charge.
Even a cursory glance at the front page of a newspaper or a typical evening newscast will confirm the point that, yes, gloom is our game, scandal our passion, disgrace and exposure the precious coin of our realm.
But every now and then – once in a blue moon, let's say – reporters get caught up in a story that is totally positive and upbeat, one they are eager to cover so they can share in the sheer joy of the occasion.
Such a story occurred a few weeks ago when NASA announced its approval of Senator John Glenn's campaign to be rocketed back into space, 36 years after he became the first American astronaut to orbit the earth.
The plan calls for Glenn to spend about 10 days in space next October, a few months after his 77th birthday, and the senator's official mission will be to take part in experiments dealing with space and the aging process.
Playing Catch-Up/A Dramatic Boost/Rocket Man/
Coming Full Orbit
HOMEWritten by Gary Paul Gates