Now
Fair
23°
High
32°
Low
16°
Full Forecast

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > Opinion > Letters
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

Letters, 8/24: Not a hero yet

Comments 58 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

Sunday, Aug 24, 2008 - 12:59:08 am CDT

I’ve come to wonder why so many people have been labeling Michael Phelps as a hero for his recent gold medals in the Olympic games. Yes, he’s talented. He has won 14 gold medals — five more than any Olympic athlete has ever won. But “hero” isn’t the right word. What on Earth has he done for anyone else? He’s a hard worker, but it’s personal gain. Sometimes people are heroes for overcoming disabilities or hardships with great achievement. And someone might argue that he’s a hero to America for representing his team in such a wonderful way. But what has he done for America besides make us proud? And what has he overcome besides being an average American Joe? Nothing.

According to a recent CNN article, Phelps already has earned $6 million per year in endorsements from companies such as Visa and Speedo and is expected to be earning between $30 million and $50 million in endorsements by the end of the year — right behind golfer Tiger Woods and soccer player David Beckham. Woods has donated much of his endorsement money and time to youth charity, including his own Learning Center for children in grades four through 12. Beckham is a spokesman for “Malaria No More,” an organization that works to end malaria-related deaths in Africa, and is also a UNICEF sponsor. Let’s hope Phelps follows their lead.

I am absolutely not saying that Michael Phelps isn’t a positive role model or that he doesn’t deserve to be honored and congratulated for what he has accomplished, nor am I saying that we Americans shouldn’t be proud. What I’m saying is that until he uses his endorsement earnings in a constructive and unselfish way, he will simply be a positive influence to me but certainly not a hero. I hope Michael feels as strongly toward helping the less fortunate as he does toward swimming. If he does, and he is as good a person as his mother says he is, he’ll move mountains with his newfound wealth.

Amy Miles, Lincoln

Encourage, don’t mandate

The ethanol hearing hosted by Sens. Ben Nelson and Tom Harkin on Monday in Omaha was an opportunity to hear all sides of the energy debate. Nebraska’s largest industry, beef, was not invited to speak, but we feel it is critical for the public to understand our position on this debate.

Renewable fuels are important to the Midwest and the nation. There is great opportunity for synergistic relationships if markets are allowed to work. However, mandating production and usage has never been good over the long term for any industry, for several reasons.

First, it promotes inefficiency by forcing products into the market. Incentives to improve your product are stronger and better in the long term when they are demanded by your consumer rather than guaranteed by the government.

Second, mandated production artificially sets a demand for the raw product that is unfair to other users of that raw product. Ethanol from corn is an established technology, and true demand should determine how much is produced, not the government.

Third, the renewable fuels standard is building an industry that cannot be flexible or responsive to market forces. What happens if corn, ethanol and crude prices are at levels that make ethanol unprofitable? Wouldn’t it be better if ethanol plants could adjust production when the market tells them to?

Finally, the RFS does not promote a working relationship between industries; rather, it forces a relationship. Rather than mandate that packers produce the flat iron steak, for example, cattle producers promoted it to consumers. Packers now have consumer demand driving their production of the flat iron, not a government mandate.

Nebraska Cattlemen is a strong supporter of diversified renewable fuel research and development. We ask that all Nebraskans be allowed to operate in a free economy that will produce the best products for our fellow citizens. We believe that cattle, corn and ethanol working together can be a great opportunity for Nebraska provided the playing field is fair.

Michael Kelsey, Nebraska Cattlemen executive vice president

Leave it to history

While President Bush has been under relentless attack from the liberal establishment for coming up on eight years, I expect that overall in the pages of history he will end up as one of our better-regarded presidents. Despite all the criticism of him, we have not, for example, suffered another attack from terrorists within the United States as was uniformly predicted in the weeks and months after Sept. 11, 2001.

I expect that 100 years from now, the historical criticisms of the Bush presidency will devolve around his tendency to be, as I frame it, too Christian — to see in others good that is not there.

In the case of Russia, the president, having looked in Vladimir Putin’s eyes and having believed he had seen Vlad’s soul (rather than the letters K G B that Sen. John McCain more accurately saw), the president proceeded to treat Vlad accordingly.

Perhaps history will show the error of making nice with Russia was for the best. Perhaps history will show that as a result of making nice with Russia, all but the most rabid appeasers and apologists came to understand Putin and Russia.

Perhaps history will show that the error of making nice with Russia served to motivate responsible leaders, Democrat and Republican, American and European, to come together to act as rapidly as possible to do what it is now clear already should have been done — build a fence of new NATO nations, composed of Georgia (as President Bush attempted to do earlier this year), Ukraine (up for admission to NATO in December in response to the president’s pressure) and other former Soviet slave states around the aggressor. We must pen in the Russian Bear so it can become no stronger; we must keep from it the hammer and sickle it wishes to pick up.

William Stone, Lincoln

‘Tropic’ numbers

I read where the movie “Tropic Thunder” opened at No. 1 last weekend. I am wondering if they subtracted the number of people who walked out of it before it was over.

Jim Leacock, Lincoln

Call it ‘homeowner pain’

I’ve heard a lot about the “brain drain” in recent years. Elected officials, local media and others keep telling me that Lincoln and the state of Nebraska are losing the best and brightest to other states.

I’ve been a Lincolnite all my life. I’m a graduate of Randolph Elementary, Lefler Junior High, Lincoln High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. At each step through that journey, I’ve seen that “brain drain” in action, watching friends leave town for the bright lights of far-away cities and the promise of higher-paying jobs.

Through it all, I’ve stayed. I started a family, and a few years ago my wife and I bought a home. I’ve been proud to make my investment in The Good Life. Then I found out that the Lancaster County Board may reward my investment by raising my property taxes.

If our elected officials are serious about keeping homegrown talent in the state, they may want to consider the burden they’re placing on us every time they get an itch for a new pet project. And if the local media want a new story to write, I’ve got a new catchphrase. Instead of “brain drain,” we’re suffering from “homeowner pain.”

Ben Johnson, Lincoln


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Letters > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
Justin wrote on August 24, 2008 1:32 am:
" Glad to see that "Tropic Thunder" is the new "Keep the State Fair in Lincoln." I look forward to months of self-righteous letters decrying the continued destruction of America's moral fiber at the hands of...BEN STILLER! "

 CS wrote on August 24, 2008 2:02 am:
" I hope he does whatever he wants to do with it. I don't understand this 'obligation' for people wealth to HAVE to use it to better others. As long as he isn't a jackass about it, I wouldn't notice one way or the other. It like people that say that so and so is super rich and should be taxed to the hilt. They already are-and any sheltering they do, for the most part is legal if you let it stay that way by allowing it to remain law for the IRS. I can admire him as a hero to swimmers, but really there is no need to burden him with your supposed desires for how he spends HIS money. If it makes you feel better go and donate some of your own money and time, but don't obligate others. "

 Chip wrote on August 24, 2008 3:27 am:
" Amy and Jim . . . you are fixating on words. Let it go. Breathe. "

 Its amazing wrote on August 24, 2008 4:15 am:
" I think William Stone needs to go back to history class. We do not need to wait a hundred years to pass judgement on Bush's administration. There have been many cases where he has been proven inept. I like how his supporters always try to blame the media. Did the media create the record deficit? No. Did the media create the corporate policies of this administration to protect big business? No. Did the media create the foreign policy blunders? No. Did the media refuse to sign the Kyoto accords(the only country to refuse to)? No. Did the media create the mess that was the aftermath of Katrina? No. I don't think we need to wait a hundred years to declare that he was not a good president "

 Sue F. wrote on August 24, 2008 5:55 am:
" Bush too Christian??? I don't find someone "too Christian" when they make laugh at someone pleading for their life. I don't find someone "too Christian" when they make jokes about the WMDs that were just another lie to get us into an illegal war. I don't find someone "too Christian" who thinks life is just grand while our young men and women die for his choices. And while we have not had another attack on American soil since 9-11 I believe that history will not forget that Bush and his administration ignored the threat before the worst attack in our history. "

 Ken wrote on August 24, 2008 6:06 am:
" Can anyone define what "Hero" means? We have lowered that word to include someone who can swim real fast without drowning. I always thought a hero was someone who put their own life at stake such as saving the life of another person in danger.

But presently we consider mondane acts as heroic. "

 What wrote on August 24, 2008 6:20 am:
" William, How many terrorist attacks on US soil happened in the previous 8 years before 9-11? Only one and that was in Feb of 1993. In 1999 Clinton prevented another attack by stopping and arresting a terrorist coming into the country from Canada.

Bush had prior warning of a possible terrorist attack by planes being flown into buildings and ignored the warning. Remember the Aug PDB warning of such attack? If he would have taken that warning seriously, 9-11 would not have happened.

As for attacks, what about that anthrax atttack, that could very well be the work of terrorists despite what the FBI says. They just wanted a scapegoat to clear that off the books. "

 Josh wrote on August 24, 2008 7:19 am:
" I am sorry, but I believe history will regard GW as a president who pushed partisianship and ideology instaed of focusing on the needs of the country. I believe he will be regared as one of the lessor presidents. "

 Amen Amy wrote on August 24, 2008 8:26 am:
" I'm right there with you and couldn't have said it better! It's time we stop labeling athletes heroes (until they've done something worthy of the title) and focus on real heroes! Granted, the Olympics aren't over just yet so we might not have a clue what the future holds for Michael Phelps, he may be planning on doing something cool when he gets back to Baltimore, but you are dead on. "

 Dear Amy wrote on August 24, 2008 9:22 am:
" Hey, try to lighten up a bit. With the scandals and crime ever-present, someone like Michael Phelps serves to remind us of (wo)man's achievements and the "possibilities."
Your letter reminds me of the people who think the space program is a waste. NASA, to me, is a childhood on reminder of possibilities. The space program set my imagination on fire, and was cause for me to spend countless hours in the library from pre-teen on, just to learn more about this mind boggling world and the endlessness of what can be learned.
Michael Phelps is incredible. It isn't about being proud, so much as knowing that very hard work over a long period of time can turn into great things. It's not just about this man. It's about all of us, and what he showed us. That is more heroic than what you describe, of course I do believe it is a far better thing to inspire one to learn to fish rather than be given a fish. It lasts a lot longer! He is one of the hero's. "

 Charles Jones wrote on August 24, 2008 9:24 am:
" Mr. Stone, I strongly disagree with your assertion that Pres. Bush will be highly regarded historically. Perhaps you have forgotten we attacked a nation that did not pose a threat to us; there were no WMD's, and sold $12 Billion worth of weaponry to Saudi Arbia, a nation that gave birth to 15 of the 19 hijackers of 9/11. Perhaps you have forgotten that we tortured prisoners, suspended habeas corpus, gave tax breaks AND subsidies to the largest oil companies, even though they posted record profits. Perhaps you would do well to remember the "no bid" contracts that were doled out to KBR, Halliburton and others; later we learn these companies were padding their bills. Recall, please, that many young men and women have been sent into harms way, REPEATEDLY, even though some were suffering from PTSD. I will never forget when Mr. Bush said we were with him or against him when he took us into Iraq, as though I were unpatriotic to disagree. No, Mr. Stone, I believe we are witnessing the end of the WORST presidency in the history of this great nation. Keep in mind, this president and his vice-president, who so strongly felt war was the only way, did not honorably serve this nation. This veteran feels Mr. Bush should be tried for war crimes. "

 Delusional thinking wrote on August 24, 2008 9:36 am:
" leads one to think that in the pages of history the current president will be a better-regarded president.

Another terrorist attack will be because of the current president, not because of what he's done "so well." "

 Sean wrote on August 24, 2008 9:49 am:
" Hey Jim. I went to see Tropic Thunder and the theater was full. Not one person, and that includes the several families with young children, walked out. Except to get snacks that is. Find something else to whine about....please. "

 Mobility wrote on August 24, 2008 9:57 am:
" Brain Drain? Many of the most intelligent and educated people I know in Nebraska came from out of state. Employers and the universities recruit students and faculty. Many of them stay for long periods of time. It is not bad for Nebraskans to explore the world. Many come back. Many from out of state will return to their homes at some point in their career or relocate at retirement. Mobility has its disadvantages, like being far away when a family member needs help. But there is nothing wrong with getting different perspectives on life and living in different places. Why do people from Lincoln think that the only life is one where you grow up, get educated, and die without traveling more than 5 miles? That may be the right thing for some, but that doesn't make it the right thing for everyone or for society in general. It can lead to intellectual and cultural stagnation and an unhealthy parochialism if everyone does that. Gosh, maybe Bo Pellini shouldn't have been allowed in. Or Fortenberry. Isn't he from Louisiana? The LJS should do a story on people who relocated here instead of constantly talking about brain drain. "

 Western Nebraskan wrote on August 24, 2008 10:12 am:
" William Stone is the epitome of grasping at straws when trying to defend George Bush. But I suppose if I were a misguided supporter of Bush, I would also plead with people not to judge him now--wait 100 years! With a president who is viewed as a disaster by somewhere between 70% and 80% of all Americans, what else are you going to hang your hat on?

Americans have every right to pass judgment right now. With our economy in the tank; thousands of our nation's best--our youth--have made the ultimate sacrifice in a war brought on with trumped up reasons invented behind closed doors between Bush and Cheney; our world wide respect so low that Russia and the majority of the Middle East (and really the rest of the world) are thumbing their noses at us---Bush has lead us to the lowest point that I can remember in my 70 some years.

I've been a Republican all of my life, and I can't wait to make a change in our nation's direction. And regrettably, McCain is looking more and more like lots of the same for the USA. Will Obama do better? I don't know, but people are going to vote for him for a variety of reasons, and one of the principal reasons is that they don't want more of the same.

So bring on the campaigning and the election. But don't ask me or anyone else in the meantime to withhold judgment on George Bush. The obvious is the obvious--he has led the country down a disastrous path, and let him be judged accordingly. "

 cg wrote on August 24, 2008 10:23 am:
" Wow, Amy - would you like to tell me how you think I should spend my money too? I guess you weren't ever taught not to should on others. "

 JT wrote on August 24, 2008 11:12 am:
" Mr. Stone, I'll bet you $10,000 that President Bush doesn't become "one of our better-regarded presidents." Honestly, that might be one of the craziest things written in the editorial page. "

 Jerry wrote on August 24, 2008 11:13 am:
" Michael: beef production is also subsidized--by illegal immigrants in the packing plants. William: as a young man, i don't want to go to war against Russia. Let's play nice. Ben: if you aren't aware how much you have to pay in property taxes, or that it will likely rise often, don't buy a house. "

 Jeff wrote on August 24, 2008 11:37 am:
" William.... you think its just the "liberal establishment" that thinks Bush has done a lousy job? Have you read any of the opinions in editorials from around the world? Are you oblivious to the international attitudes to the Bush Adminstration's actions and policies? It's likely that you don't care..... but you're going to wait a long time for history to judge the Bush Admistration to be anything other than one of the most arrogant and inept in our history. "

 kris wrote on August 24, 2008 12:39 pm:
" Maybe you didn't watch him swim. You don't have to cure cancer to be a hero. When I saw some of his close wins, I cried. Because another human being could work so hard to become so good at what he does, it can lift the rest of us up to a better place, if only for a minute. That is pretty glorious. But it's not just those moments this past week, it's that he rose above the sadness and self blame a kid feel when his dad walks out on him before he is even a teenager or the despair a kid feels when his eighth grade teacher tells him, "you're never going to succeed at anything". He rose above those things I see that stop a kid in their tracks and choose to believe that the crappy adults in his life are right. Not a hero? He is a hero and role model for kids I work with who have had parents treat them in a way that no kid should be treated or that have been told by teachers that they can't succeed just because they don't fit into the box that has been created by those educators. I can say "Look what he did. He didn't believe them. He rose above that. You can too." Beckham and Woods are 10 years older than Phelps, who just turned 23. His brain has just completed developing. Let's not compare what they have done with him quite yet. His coach, Bowman, has said of Phelps, "He's unbelievably kind-hearted", recounting Phelps's interaction with young children after practices. That is enough for hero status in my book. A hero is a person distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength. I think after all he has done in overcoming difficulties that life gave him as well as staying a pretty neat guy, aside from doing something no one else has done in the world, he has earned the right to be some folk's hero. Don't try and take that from him. "

 MarkyMark wrote on August 24, 2008 12:45 pm:
" Mr. Stone is talking about History, while at the same time ignoring it. Chances are better than even that Iraq will be our enemy then our ally several times over in the next hundred years.

We were Hussein's friend, before we were his enemy. Reagan-Bush built him up, and supported him, strongly in the 1980's, even looking the other way, when he slaughtered all the Kurds.

Who built Osama bin Laden into the top Jihadist in the Middle East? Oh yeah, that too was Reagan-Bush. My advice, learn your history, before you make ridiculous predictions about it. "

 Tough wrote on August 24, 2008 12:49 pm:
" Brilliant, Mr. Bush. I really enjoyed the way your tough-talked to the big, bad, Russians.

I whole-heartedly agree that it is an abomination to invade a sovereign nation in the modern world. Oh wait, is that why the rest of the world was upset when Bush Jr. invaded Iraq? I forgot, it's do as I do, not as I say. "

 Ohhh wrote on August 24, 2008 12:59 pm:
" Oh Ben, you've been conn'd!! Thats the price ya pay if you do stay in
Lincoln & Nebraska. I was thinking the other day, if there isn't a union of "two" people in Lincoln & Nebraska you are doomed. I, like all of my
classmates from years and years ago as well as youth before me and for
umpteen years after and still, left for growing and progressive states. A single woman without a college degree or even a partial degree could never climb the ladder in Nebraska as I did in another state. From day
one I was encouraged by my company, much different than in Nebraska when
I tried and tried to find a job and was haughtally told by the state employment officer, "YOU'LL NEVER GET A JOB." Well, I did the first day
I landed in another state, and climbed the ladder to Executive Officer.
That would NEVER happen in Nebraska!! Even a union of two are struggling
in Lincoln now to make ends meet, both working and the retired who stayed
and THOUGHT they had saved and planned well for retirement. Unfortunately
their well planned savings have evaporated by the high taxes and cost of
living. A lazy laid back life will get ya one day in Nebraska!! "

 hey ben wrote on August 24, 2008 1:23 pm:
" if you stayed in lincoln all your life you have the brain drain. How many years do you have to be lied to and have your money wasted on hairbrained ideas to get the picture. Lincoln is a has been city and the other people who will stay there are the ones who can't afford to get out, or the ones who don't know there are other places in the u.s. to relocate to or even visit. And for george bush and cheney, I disagree. They will no doubt go down as the most corrupt and immoral as any to hold the office. They still need to apologize for over 4000 lives of american service members. Neither of them seemed to ever go to war. Both has excuses, cheney was just a draft dodger and bush missed physicals to stay out.CHICKENHAWKS. "

 Huh wrote on August 24, 2008 1:36 pm:
" Amy, why did you spend your time worrying about Michael Phelps? The fact that you spent your time being concerned about this non-issue is disturbing. "

 Yup wrote on August 24, 2008 2:00 pm:
" Amy, didn't you see the headline today "With fans looking for a hero, Pelini takes over." You'd better not mess with the Husker faithful. Obviously, a hero can be defined as many things; a person who puts someone elses life before thiers, but also can be someone who does an extrodinary feat. I think Michael can be called the latter, and hopefully, Bo can be called that also. "

 Hero wrote on August 24, 2008 3:12 pm:
" Wait Amy, you write, "What on Earth has he done for anyone else? He’s a hard worker, but it’s personal gain. Sometimes people are heroes for overcoming disabilities or hardships with great achievement."

So someone overcoming a disability or hardship qualifies as a hero? That sounds a lot like a personal gain to me. You can't have it both ways. Can a hero be someone who inspires another person to get back in shape and begin exercising - I have a feeling Phelps may do that for many people. Or maybe they will learn from him that working hard every day towards a goal makes big things happen. Yeah, that's pretty selfish of him.

Let's push this to another level then - soldiers who get killed driving a supply vehicle in Iraq - Hero or not? They weren't saving anybody. They didn't inspire anyone. Was it for personal gain that they joined the military?

My overall point is - lighten up and if someone feels someone else is a hero to them, who are you to judge that? "

 BicycleMike wrote on August 24, 2008 4:36 pm:
" I think the term "hero" is used a bit too much and rather loosely as well. "

 Zoomie wrote on August 24, 2008 7:01 pm:
" Why do Bush supporters keep demanding history get rewritten? Is his presidency that weak? Dispite all the news the last couple of weeks about the anthrax attack -- an attack which was called, by Bush, a TERRORIST attack, and which occured AFTER 9/11/01 -- the apologists for the worst President in US history keep proclaiming "no attack since 9/11"!! Well, surprise - THERE WAS ANOTHER ATTACK! And in case you missed it, the time from the first WTC attack (just a few weeks after Clinton became President) until the end of his term - with NO other terrorist attack in the US -- lasted until the 2nd WTC attack. And do you need reminding of the Bush Admin's response to terrorism prior to 9/11? When Bush got his Aug 6 2001 PDB, personally handled by a CIA analyst who wanted to stress how serious and dangerous they felt things were, Bush told him, "Fine, you've covered your [word deleted], so go away!" And when SEVERAL sources warned Rumsfeld about the growing evidence of the coming attack, his response was to threaten to fire any staff member who mentioned the words "terrorist attack" again! And what were Cheney's and Rumsfeld's first words after the 9/11 attack? "How can we blame Saddam Hussein?" They didn't even care who really killed thousands of Americans, they wanted an excuse to launch a war! Then they broke laws, authorized torture as US policy (for the 1st time in US history), killed tens of thousands of innocent people. And you think THIS President will go down as anything EXCEPT worst President in US history! "

 CW wrote on August 24, 2008 7:08 pm:
" A little revisionist history, MarkyMark? It wasn't Reagan-Bush that built up Hussein and other middle East nations against Russia. You can thank Carter and Brzezinski for building up a vested interest in defense outposts against the Soviets. $40 billion on covert training in Pakistan? Sound familiar? Or maybe the Carter doctrine which said the US would not allow outside forces to control the Persian Gulf? Oops... "

 Cole wrote on August 24, 2008 7:16 pm:
" It's clear that Amy is splitting hairs over the word. However, I agree with her (sort of). One looks at national sweethearts like Johnson and Phelps and we naturally admire the sacrifice and achieved world-wide excellence. But the laser-sharp focus from early childhood required to compete at those levels is unhealthy by any standard. Phelps himself rather inarticulately stated recently that "...I eat, sleep and swim. That's about all my life is." Johnson entered the famous West Des Moines gym at age 6. Her bio lists her hobbies as scrapbooking and walking dogs. Yes - infinitely more healthy than a sedentary lifestyle of overeating, video games and Hanna Montana concerts, but hardly a well-rounded upbringing and I'm not sure that is what children should admire. These obscure skills are fascinating to watch, but what redeemable value is really there? Not trying to be rude, here - just some feedback. "

 DR wrote on August 24, 2008 8:17 pm:
" Another slow news day and we rehash the same old stuff. Our President Bush is still our President and I choose to see the positive he creates just as I do with every one. He will be gone in a few weeks and I will see the positive in teh new president too. Some whine and some dine. I love America and respect our elected servants. "

 amazed wrote on August 24, 2008 9:01 pm:
" Wow Mr. Stone, Wow. It is so sad to know that there are people out there who actually think Bush has been a good President. You honestly must not pay attention to ANY of the issues facing our country right now. "

 Dreamer wrote on August 24, 2008 9:29 pm:
" What are you LJS Bush bashers going to do Jan 21, 2009. Withdrawal pains are hard to handle, after an addiction. Yes, there are some in our country who feel Bush has done a good job, so Bush bashers, in your little world how does that ruin your day? Opinion is just that opinion, history will judge President Bush, long after all this bias and agenda driven hatred has passed and a real look can be done. There will never be a "perfect" president in our imperfect world, deal with it.
The next president drawn from the two mediocre candidates offered guarantee at least four more years of love/hate letters here in the LJS. We all must deal with that simple fact and history too. I wish there was a "none of the above" box to check in November, for all that is offered from either side is four more years of inaction and broken election promises, with a lie or two thrown in to keep the sharks circling. "

 Ken wrote on August 24, 2008 9:52 pm:
" Hero: "a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds." Webster's Desk Dictionary of the English Language.

I don't think Phelps meets this definition. A great athlete, but not a "hero". If that is true then Brett Farve, Larry Bird, Orville & Wilbur Wright were also heroes. Absurd. "

 MarkyMark wrote on August 24, 2008 9:59 pm:
" Great argument CW, however Hussein didn't become president until 1979, I was talking about the man, not the country. And by the way, why didn't you respond about Osama bin Laden? "

 Bob Costas wrote on August 24, 2008 10:18 pm:
" Not sure if I would call Michael Phelps a "hero" or not but if you change it slightly to "sports hero", How can ou disagree? "

 linds wrote on August 25, 2008 6:56 am:
" "Liberal establishment" ?!?! "Russian bear"!!!?!?

HA! Oh, 1962, it's good to see you again. "

 Lindsay wrote on August 25, 2008 7:02 am:
" Just as a note on Michael Phelps: there was a segment by NBC on how he spent time with a young woman who not only had Down's Syndrome but had physical difficulties as well...basically swimming was the only form of exercise and play that she could do with abandon. Through a foundation she requested to spend a day with Michael Phelps and he did. By the accounts of the girl and mother Michael went above and beyond to give the young girl a day she'll never forget. So although it remains to be seen how Phelps uses his legacy, at least to one family he is a true hero. "

 Jack wrote on August 25, 2008 7:46 am:
" didn't michael phelps get a DUI a few years ago? not everyone is as great as you think they are! "

 Hey Zoomie wrote on August 25, 2008 8:18 am:
" Did you forget about all of the terrorist attacks on U.S. Embassies and Military Barracks overseas during the Clinton years? Most everything you stated is not common knowledge, please provide a non-idealogue journalist source you heard/read all of that information "

 Nina wrote on August 25, 2008 11:08 am:
" Not only liberals have been dismayed by the results of the Bush administration, Mr. Stone forgets. Many conservatives (and other Republicans) rue his policies, as well. That's how he has such a low approval rating. I would not call 'too Christian' one who started a war over a personal vendetta coupled with lies, which resulted (and still counting) thousands of deaths and maimings. I would not call 'too Christain' the failure to take care of the country's outlandish deficit, and I would not call 'too Christian' his 'leave no billionaire behind' policies that made the rich richer and the poor poorer (now the biggest by far displarity in income our country has ever seen). Not only that, but he seems to have a knack for embarrassing us when he tries to do PR, either by his arrogance or his messed-up words. I think history will judge GWB as the one who rode in on his daddy' coat tails after failing in several other ventures, who didn't have the leadership qualities or intelligence to represent the US well, and who took the most vacation of any president ever. "

 Hey Hey zoomie wrote on August 25, 2008 11:13 am:
" You REALLY want to compare attacks on Americans overseas under Clinton compared to under Bush? Think about that for a moment. Really think.... How many more Americans are terrorists killing now compared to under Clinton. Starts with an I, or an A......Think....... Now you really want to compare that again for me?

Although I confess "What" was wrong. WTC1 was not the only terrorist attack on US soil under Clinton. The right wing Christian nutcases McVeigh, NIchols and Rudolph also got their fundamentalist bombings in during those years.

The difference of course is that the culprits - the actual culprits not just people of the same religion and skin tone who happened to be living in a country ruled by somebody the president didn't like that is - were caught and punished, unlike the alternately "Dead or Alive" or "not all that concerned with him" culprit who Bush's flunkies have failed to bring to justice. "

 Josh wrote on August 25, 2008 12:05 pm:
" Sorry Amy, I don't know which history books would ever discuss Bush being one of our better regarded presidents in the future- any that say this would likely be in the FICTION section. Bush threw away relationships with other nations that had taken years and years to build, he brought the US down to a previously unheard of level as far as how disliked we are around the world, and for the first time in our history we invaded and overthrew the government of a sovereign nation- the exact same thing we pretend we are "above" as we stand on our soapbox and scream at any other nations that do this. Bush has single handedly ruined our moral standing in the world, and taken this nation into a nosedive in almost all regards that will take the next president a long time to correct. Once all of the political dust settles over the years, history will show that he was one of our worst presidents. "

 Josh wrote on August 25, 2008 12:06 pm:
" Sorry William, I don't know which history books would ever discuss Bush being one of our better regarded presidents in the future- any that say this would likely be in the FICTION section. Bush threw away relationships with other nations that had taken years and years to build, he brought the US down to a previously unheard of level as far as how disliked we are around the world, and for the first time in our history we invaded and overthrew the government of a sovereign nation- the exact same thing we pretend we are "above" as we stand on our soapbox and scream at any other nations that do this. Bush has single handedly ruined our moral standing in the world, and taken this nation into a nosedive in almost all regards that will take the next president a long time to correct. Once all of the political dust settles over the years, history will show that he was one of our worst presidents. "

 Bush Basher wrote on August 25, 2008 12:30 pm:
" Oh don't worry - we'll still have plenty of ammunition for YEARS after Bush leaves, since he's left us a crippled econokmy with half-trillion dollar deficits instead of the Clinton surpluses. Since he has expandedc the national debt even as a ratio far more than any other president but Regan, his nefarious incompetence will impact us for decades, so we'll have plenty to go on.

Let alone the generation it will take us to rceover a global moral authority and credibility, the decades it will take us to catch up with European investment in biotech and scientific research - or even just education come to that, and the years/decades we will suffer theocratic repressive ideology from lifetime judicial appointments better fitted to the Inquisition.

Oh and since only 20% of the population still approve of Bush at all let alone consider him worth defending, I think it's you panglossean bootlickers who live in the "little" world of your own sycophantic dittohead imagination. "

 Hey Zoomie wrote on August 25, 2008 12:41 pm:
" War is a different context than a cowardly terror attack. Of course the terrorists have killed more Americans over the past 7 years, compare apples to apples. FYI, here is a list to refresh your memory: WTC1, the Clintonites wanted to treat that as a local NYC law enforcement issue. WEAK! Khobar Towers in 1996, more Clinton tough talk. 1997, the Palestinian shooting at the top of the Empire State Building (on US soil by the way), still waiting for a Clinton comment. 1998, Embassy bombings in Africa. More Clinton tough talk and a worthless missile shot at an empty building and tent. GOOD ONE! 2000, USS Cole bombing. More last minute Clinton tough talk. 2001, WTC2, I'll pin most of this on Clinton, planned on US soil while he was president. If Clinton would not have been so noodle legged and weak on terrorism for 8 years, would we be in such a predicament now? During Bush's term, take a look at the list of top terrorist figures that have been killed or jailed (or tortured as you probably see it). "

 Hey Bush Bashers wrote on August 25, 2008 12:55 pm:
" Take a time out, step back, and put your world in perspective. Time out. You are all so spitting mad after all of these years. Does it REALLY matter what the French think of us? They'll come calling next time they need something. Get a hobby, left wing hate blogging is tearing you apart. Try to help our country get caught up with the Europeans in Biotech and scientific research. Don't give up on being American, you can still make a difference, but right now, you are not making a bit of difference, you're preaching to the choir. "

 JR wrote on August 25, 2008 1:01 pm:
" Actually, the Bush bashers do not live in a "little world", they live in a big world called earth. I know many of the pro Bush crowd do not read any of the foreign newspapers or even consider anyone outside of our borders as having a brain, but considering the dislike and distrust of so many of our former allies, it is frightening how far we have fallen in the eyes of the world. Don't believe me? Just ask yourselves how many other countries would have backed us if Bush would have fought back against Russia in Georgia? Now, what happens if Russia or China decides to invade us? (Doubtful, but play along here) Who will come to our defense? We had the world's sympathy after 9/11 only for Bush/Cheney to waste it away on their private war. And let's not forget ... Bin Laden is still out there training future bombers. "

 Eric wrote on August 25, 2008 1:15 pm:
" Amen Charles Jones. I too believe our beloved GW should be tried for war crimes. He is not better than any the other war criminals in history. Bring back Nuremburg.
Interesting to note that everyone blames the libs for the deficit and debt, when in fact it was the 12 years of Reaganomics to blame for the debt. The debt from Ronald Reagan and the first Bush EXCEEDS the cumulative total from George Washington through Jimmy Carter. Coupled with the last 8 years of the current Bush administration our debt has gone sky high. Our great, great grandchildren will be paying this debt off. Thank you Republican Party. I really appreciate being saddled with this enormous debt. "

 re Eric wrote on August 25, 2008 1:30 pm:
" "The debt from Ronald Reagan and the first Bush EXCEEDS the cumulative total from George Washington through Jimmy Carter."

You see, this is how the left spins it's wheels. You need to consider the cost of goods/services have increased from 1776 to 2008. Inflation and the cost of it. Give me a break. "

 LOL wrote on August 25, 2008 2:21 pm:
" I bet Reagan would have loved to blame his massive unprecedented debt on INFLATION. His signature was on every dime of that exhorbinant spending. This really belongs in the funny paper because, it is so gosh-darn funny. "

 re re Eric wrote on August 25, 2008 2:21 pm:
" Ok but care to explain why we went from a surplus to a record deficit in under 8 years? Of course you will throw the mismanaged war on terror as the reason since there is no way that the failed policies of Bush could be responsable. Also since when was it proven that Iraq had anything to do with 9/11? If you studied a little more rather than listening to the right wing rants, you would know that Saddam didn't want anything to do with Bin laden (who is still free by the way)because Bin laden threatened his rule in Iraq "

 Simmer Down wrote on August 25, 2008 2:23 pm:
" Most people are not bashing Bush. They are bashing his job perfomance, not his smirky, smarmy, clueless self. "

 Darwin wrote on August 25, 2008 2:49 pm:
" Ken, I would count the Wright Bros as heroes as per that definition. Think about it. How much courage it would take to climb aboard a homemade, rickety, untested invention and try to fly it. I think even MacGyver would have been a little scared :)

But I agree, Phelps is an inspiration, not a hero. Even giving money to help little children doesnt make you a hero. The firefighter that climbs a burning staircase to look for a child, that is a hero. A single parent who works 3 jobs and still makes the time to spend with his/her child, that is a hero. Swimming fast, not so much. Look up to him, admire him, be inspired by him. But to call any sports star a hero is an insult to real heros. Real heros dont do it for fame or money. They do the right thing, even if they dont really want to. "

 Zoomie wrote on August 25, 2008 3:27 pm:
" Hey Hey Zoomie - 1) When did Khobar Towers relocate to the US (and if you're expanding the original discussion area, lets include Afghan, Iraq, Bali, Madrid...sorry, can't have it both ways)? 2) WTC1 weak? Let me refresh your memory...perps identified, tracked, caught, arrested, arraigned, tried, convicted! No torture, no phoney wars, no angering our allies, no trashing the US Constitution! I'd call that success! Meanwhile...where's Osama bin-Laden again??? Certainly not in jail! 3) Bit of a double standard you like to use...WTC1 happens just 4 WEEKS after Clinton takes office, but its his fault. WTC2 happens 8 MONTHS after he leaves office, but that too is his fault? This is why I always laugh when I see people complaining about "Bush Bashers" and such...They conveniently forget the "Clinton Hating" that was (and is) rampant amongst Republicans for the last 16yrs! 4) You mock firing missiles (plural) in three separate attempts to take out bin-Laden (dispite the GOP in Congress at the time claiming bin-Laden was a nobody we shouldn't even waste that much effort on)? How many Americans died in those attacks? ZERO. Meanwhile, how many Americans have died in Iraq for something that had NOTHING to do with bin-Laden or terrorism? 4,000+ and counting! Meanwhile, we have a resurgent Taliban who've killed hundreds and growing in Afghanistan due to Bush/Cheney incompetence! "

 Ken wrote on August 26, 2008 5:27 am:
" Darwin: So if I cross the street just to get to the other side and pick up a couple hundred dollars, that makes me a hero, right?

I still don't call the Wright Bros heroes. As you say someone to look up to and recall their greatness, but heroes never. Maybe a little crazy, but not heroes. "

 ken you are wrong wrote on August 27, 2008 10:48 pm:
" ken, you cannot take one definition in the dictionary and call it good. there are many definitions for hero. you picked yours but websters also says: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities and noble means: possessing outstanding qualities. you may not know what a hero is because you are unable to spell mundane correctly but it means commonplace..micheal phelps is not commonplace so his hero status we are debating is not so absurd (i.e. unreasonable) "

Ads by Yahoo!

Lincoln Journal Star Editorial Board