We love heroes. We love it when the downtrodden underdog decides to rise up and overcome. It makes for great television. Storytellers figured this out eons ago. Just about every movie you've ever seen deals with an average, or, less than average, individual who is faced with an unbelievable and unconquerable situation that would obliterate you or I. Poor decision making and/or a treacherous backstabbing friend-turned-foe push an insurmountable event to an un-thought-of , other-worldly cataclysmic, seemingly inevitable conclusion. However, our hero, against all odds and with the aid of an unexpected ally, does overcome; prevailing to not only defeat his would-be obliterator, but vanquish this ungodly nemesis forever. Life as we know it would come to a close if such dealings were authentic, thankfully they are not. Actual day-to-day drama does not come about on such a grand scale, and the "scale" is different for each individual. While most of us consider our daily commutes an extremely dangerous venture, others, by nature of their professions, encounter much more extreme hazard routinely.
Pat Tillman and Jessica Lynch are two such individuals. Pat Tillman, being a sports hero, could not possibly die under any other circumstances than a full-on enemy assault, fighting to the end. Jessica Lynch, being a female in a "mans world," would not have endured capture after a malfunctioning weapon, but only after fighting to the last bullet. Is it a purely evil approach for the military to fabricate such heroic acts from these events? No, it is not. The fact that our troops must be subjected to a war like this one is the evil part. It is very wrong, though. These individuals fighting this war are all heroes to me, like the soldiers throughout our country's history. Military officials know that if the American people could see war in its actual state there would be no support. Individuals who take a stand are heroes. The single parent who gets up at 4am , works 2 jobs and takes care of children without help from the other parent is a hero; but not as exciting and marketable as a young woman pinned down by enemy fire, eventually running out of bullets, allowing capture by the enemy.
Tillman and Lynch are indeed heroes. What makes them so is not puffed up versions of the truth, but the truth itself; that both answered the call to serve. So many Americans today expect the government to provide everything for them, food, shelter, medical care; regardless of the expense, or their own ability to support themselves; I say shame on them. Millions of deserving people are denied essentials daily while these leaches drain the system. Criminals are afforded more legal and financial assistance than victims. Families of military casualties are thrown a pittance to offset their great loss. So many things are wrong with our society; from pork barrel politics to scandals to forever hearing about a floozie-rich enough to buy and sell most of us, being "victimized." Meanwhile our veterans are not given proper medical attention, or resources to take care of themselves; both of which they earned.
Should the military bolster reports of heroism? No. Should actual heroes be recognized? Yes. When we as a people regain our God-given sense of responsibility and fail to reward such sensationalistic measures they will cease. For that to happen we must recognize our own self-worth and value; and not have to rely on falsehoods to feel good about ourselves. Do the right thing and you likely will not need those sleeping pills, or have to look outside yourself for a champion.
Ken McCreless is just a guy who loves to write. No dazzling website or publishing milestones, just a love for words and a respect for the power they wield. Contact him at ken@kenmccreless.com
» left by Avis Ward(11,479) Avis Ward (1 year 255 days ago.)
Ken, a very good article. I especially like your definition of heroes. Being brave and patriotic enough to volunteer to serve makes one a hero. No embellishing, sensationalizing or changing the facts is needed. The spouses and children left behind to carry on as best they can are also heroes. I enjoyed this article very much. Respond to this comment
» left by Sandra E. Graham (1 year 252 days ago.)
Nice to see that someone else shares my sentiments. Our soldiers don't need fabricated stories to make them heroes. They are all heroes in the hearts and minds of all true Americans. May God be with them to the end. Respond to this comment
» left by Joseph Collins(402) Joseph Collins (1 year 252 days ago.)
Great article! You touched on alot of points that need attention and require a sober approach by our government. Keep up the good work, Ken! Respond to this comment
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