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Astronauts?

Something happened today that me disturbed. I didn't notice this "thing" that has been occurring over the past two months, but had I, I'd have spoken out sooner.

Today, Blue Origin sent another group of tourists into space for a short time. The headliner was William Shatner, a cultural icon. I'm happy for him and the rest of the group for being able to have the experience.

This isn't the thing that's bothering me.

On their descent back to earth, the mission control commander dubbed them America's newest astronauts, designating them an incremental astronaut number somewhere in the 500's.

Astronauts?

If what they did, which was to sit in a seat, qualifies them as astronauts, then everyone flying as passengers on an airliner should be anointed "pilots".

Correct me if I'm wrong, but astronauts spend decades learning and practicing science, engineering, or aeronautics before applying to and being accepted into one of the most rigorous programs in the world. Then they spend several more years training for specific space missions and participate intently in preparing the space vehicles and equipment they'll be relying on.

That's an astronaut.

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