Ex-NASA Astronauts Form Advocacy Group to Restore Faith in Democracy

Background of Astronauts for America

Astronauts for America, a newly formed non-partisan advocacy group comprising over 100 retired NASA astronauts, has launched an initiative called the Vote for Freedom campaign. This unique coalition aims to instill faith in and support for the constitutional principles that underpin American democracy. The group's members, who have witnessed the unity of Earth from space, now seek to encourage political commitment to these fundamental ideals.

Unique Perspective of Astronauts

Cady Coleman, a 65-year-old astronaut with two space shuttle missions under her belt, shares that her experience orbiting at an altitude of 250 miles above the United States provided a broader perspective. 'What I saw was a single land, from Pacific to Atlantic, no borders or partitions,' she explains. This unique viewpoint led Coleman and other astronauts to form Astronauts for America, emphasizing their unity over division.

Members of the group include notable figures such as Charles Bolden, who served as NASA's administrator during Barack Obama’s presidency, and Bill Nelson, a former senator. The oldest member is Rusty Schweickart, who flew on Apollo 9 in 1969, four months before the first moon landing.

Voting Campaign Plans

In preparation for November's midterm elections, Astronauts for America plans to tour approximately 60 college and university campuses, focusing especially on swing states. Their mission is to encourage young and first-time voters to participate actively in the democratic process.

“Every one of these voters can change the course of our nation,” says Bolden. “It’s like making a course correction in space.” He explains that small adjustments now can lead to significant outcomes later, much like the journey to the moon itself. The group aims to grade midterm candidates based on their commitment to constitutional principles and encourage them to uphold democratic values.

“Going to the polls is one small step for you, and one giant leap for our country,” a unified statement adopted by all members highlights their shared mission of restoring faith in democracy through active participation.

Source: The Guardian