NASA becomes operational, October 1, 1958

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) began managing the United States space exploration program on October 1, 1958.

NASA's stated vision is: To reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind.

When NASA became operational, it replaced the US National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) agency. NACA had been founded in 1915 to undertake, promote, and institutionalize aeronautical research.

NACA had been experimenting with rocket planes such as the Bell X-2 in the 1950s. However, when the Soviets launched the world's first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, on October 4, 1957, the attention of the United States turned toward its own space efforts.

It tells you everything you need to know about today’s Republican Party that its frontrunner for President believes immigrants are a bigger threat to this country than assault weapons.

Donald Trump recently released a plan to allow unfettered access to handguns without adequate safety measures like universal background checks. He opposes state laws prohibiting high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. And he proposes federalizing concealed carry permit programs.

This is, quite honestly, reckless and irresponsible.

His proposal is just shameless pandering to the National Rifle Association—one of the most powerful special interest lobbies in the country. The only thing on which we agree is that our country has a problem with gun violence. But, unlike Donald Trump, I know that the only way to combat gun violence is by standing up to the NRA and implementing comprehensive gun safety laws.

That’s exactly what I’ve done throughout my career, and will do as President. Will you stand with me today?

As President, I will pass a national assault weapons ban, implement stricter background checks, and increase efforts to reduce straw-buying, like fingerprint requirements.

Sign up today to stand with me against gun violence, and read my full policy paper on how I’d address this issue.

https://martinomalley.com/act-on-gun-violence

Thanks,

Martin O’Malley

It tells you everything you need to know about today’s Republican Party that its frontrunner for President believes immigrants are a bigger threat to this country than assault weapons.

Donald Trump recently released a plan to allow unfettered access to handguns without adequate safety measures like universal background checks. He opposes state laws prohibiting high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. And he proposes federalizing concealed carry permit programs.

This is, quite honestly, reckless and irresponsible.

His proposal is just shameless pandering to the National Rifle Association—one of the most powerful special interest lobbies in the country. The only thing on which we agree is that our country has a problem with gun violence. But, unlike Donald Trump, I know that the only way to combat gun violence is by standing up to the NRA and implementing comprehensive gun safety laws.

That’s exactly what I’ve done throughout my career, and will do as President. Will you stand with me today?

As President, I will pass a national assault weapons ban, implement stricter background checks, and increase efforts to reduce straw-buying, like fingerprint requirements.

Sign up today to stand with me against gun violence, and read my full policy paper on how I’d address this issue.

https://martinomalley.com/act-on-gun-violence

Thanks,

Martin O’Malley

In much of America, Syrian refugees are seen as threats, not victims. In February, the House Homeland Security Committee chairman, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Tex.), said that accepting Syrians would create a “federally funded jihadi pipeline” to the United States. In June, Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) called a hearing on the issue, arguing that terrorist groups might use refugee programs “to carry out attacks in Europe and America.” Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina has agreed, warning that we have to be “very careful about who we let enter this country.”

These arguments fundamentally misunderstand what it means to be a refugee. Abandoning your home during wartime is not a choice or a political opportunity. It’s a survival instinct, a frantic attempt to protect yourself and your children from violence, starvation or death.

This is a reality I know only too well. Sixteen years ago, I was forced to flee Kosovo after the Serbian military burned my house to the ground. That experience taught me just how desperate life can be for a refugee and how important it is to treat asylum seekers with kindness and grace.

In much of America, Syrian refugees are seen as threats, not victims. In February, the House Homeland Security Committee chairman, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Tex.), said that accepting Syrians would create a “federally funded jihadi pipeline” to the United States. In June, Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) called a hearing on the issue, arguing that terrorist groups might use refugee programs “to carry out attacks in Europe and America.” Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina has agreed, warning that we have to be “very careful about who we let enter this country.”

These arguments fundamentally misunderstand what it means to be a refugee. Abandoning your home during wartime is not a choice or a political opportunity. It’s a survival instinct, a frantic attempt to protect yourself and your children from violence, starvation or death.

This is a reality I know only too well. Sixteen years ago, I was forced to flee Kosovo after the Serbian military burned my house to the ground. That experience taught me just how desperate life can be for a refugee and how important it is to treat asylum seekers with kindness and grace.