On the day that seven pioneers died on their return from a mission benefiting all mankind, seven adventurers lost their lives in an avalanche while seeking a thrill of self-gratification. The latter incident touched off a response causing many others to risk their lives and federal agencies to spend valuable resources in the search-and-rescue effort on their behalf.

This government does not need to send man into space unless it is willing to abolish all thrill-seeking adventures. If they are going to require a guarantee of no loss of life from NASA, they must require the same from all agencies. Funding for road construction must be stopped and all vehicle travel halted until the highway department can assure no one will be killed in an automobile accident. Halt funding for air traffic control and ground all planes because a plane crashed and lives were lost.

We all risk our lives in the process of living. An astronaut in the hands of NASA is probably more safe than a motorist on the highway. We should not just mourn the loss of life in these accidents, but celebrate the lives that accomplished great feats for humanity. We should honor their memory by opening more opportunities for other gifted people anxious to follow in their footsteps and serve mankind.

John T. Sears

Hartland

and Phoenix, Ariz.