"We Could Be Heroes..."

Just about every day I hear the word "Hero" used. It seems as though everyone has their own view of what a hero is.

Last week, instead of concerning themselves with issues that are really important to the American people like jobs, health care, and taxes...Congress decided to spend valuable time having Roger Clemens over for a "chat" about whether or not he used steroids. Like everything else that comes before Congress...even this was divided along party lines. With the Republicans attacking Clemens' accuser and the Democrats going after Clemens....it was a circus that went nowhere. But during the hearing, I heard many members of Congress refer to Clemens as either their hero or the hero of kids across America.

I love sports. I grew up loving sports, especially baseball. Of course I had a favorite player that I emulated in little league, that I watched closely and rooted for....Don Mattingly. But he was no way my hero.

I think America is lost on many fronts. Declaring certain people or professions as heroes is just another bullshit brainwashing technique. Even the men/women running for President are in on it. Obama and Clinton go out of their way to call McCain, their opponent, "An American Hero" because he fought in Vietnam and was a POW. Now, don't get me wrong, I respect the men and women who serve our country whether it be voluntarily or via the draft like back in the 60's....but I don't feel picking up a gun and killing people in a foreign land is worthy of being called a "hero." When I was a child, I wasn't allowed to have a toy gun, a water gun, any "military" type toys like army men, GI Joe, etc. Although my Dad served in the Army in the 50's...my Mom was a woman of the 60's and believed that children should not be exposed to guns and things of that nature. Today we glorify the armed forces and anyone who speaks otherwise is accused of siding with the terrorists or being anti-American. Just another post 9/11 crock of shit. While the work the men and women in the military do is brave, they shouldn't be cast as heroes to our children.

Even before 9/11 firemen and police officers were dubbed "Heroes"...why? These people chose their profession..and in many areas of the country, get paid very well for what they do. Here on Long Island, we had some major wildfires about 10 years ago. After a week or two of fighting these fires....the firemen had parades in their honor, got free stuff at stores via corporate donations, etc....why???? Does the high school teacher that gets little pay and has to endure what they endure get a parade??? Does the single mom working at a supermarket and struggling to put food on the table get a parade or anything for free???? The media has most of you completely brainwashed.

The real heroes are the ones who make an impact on the lives of the people around them and don't ask for or bask in the spotlight. The people in the trenches everyday doing the jobs we all take for granted. Heroes are the people who are bringing up their children the right way, who when faced with tough choices, always make the honest/right choice. To be a true hero, you don't need to pick up a bat, or a ball, or a gun....you just need to pick up those around you when they are down.