A heartfelt post from U.S. astronaut Leland Melvin, who is also a former NFL player. The post is a little long but it makes several significant points, including the disheartening willingness of the president and his administration to validate and encourage white supremacist extremists; the value of taking an “Orbital perspective” which recognizes Earth as a fragile and threatened home that we all share regardless of artificial and transient political boundaries; and the critical responsibility of a president to unify the nation through dignified, compassionate, and respectful behavior.

“Looking back at our planet from space really helps one get a bigger perspective on how petty and divisive we can be.”

September 24, 2017