Sad truths in Nowak downfall

Astronauts are meant to fly. That's why the arrest of astronaut Lisa Nowak by Orlando police for her attack on Colleen Shipman over a mutual love interest is especially sad. Apparently, Nowak suffered one too many personal hardships since her last flight as a Discovery mission specialist in July 2006.

I look into the mug shot released by the Orlando police, and I look at the photo released by NASA during a 2006 press conference, and I see this unmistakable truth: No matter who you are, what you know or how much money you have, people are fragile.

Like most kids, I grew up believing police, baseball players and the president were people to emulate and positions to honor. As some became tainted by scandal, my focus shifted to the piety of the clergy, the honor of the military and the intrepidity of space. But, again, despite our weaknesses — or because of them — no calling is free from our nature.

Lisa Nowak was returned to Houston and the loving embrace of her family and co-workers. She wears a GPS tracking device on her ankle.

Don Merrill

Salt Lake City