A couple years ago another instance of heroism occurred in Florida. Jasmine Gonzalez's car flew off of the Florida Interstate and into the canal that bordered it. She thought for sure that she would drown. However, lucky for the seventeen year old girl, a couple who was driving by saved the day. Using the only tool they could find, a trailer hitch, they, and a few others, turned the car on its side and broke the window, pulling Jasmine to safety. An interview and explanation of the events can be seen in the interview with the couple:
The two samaritans didn't even believe they were heroes. "It's just something you naturally do," they said. However, I believe that many would have to differ. Some would have driven by and figured the car was empty. What did those who stopped and saved Gonzalez have that others don't? What makes them a hero. This is another example of random strangers working together to save a victim, is that what makes them great?
Monday, January 2, 2012
Heroism: The Super Strength of Many
To continue on the subject of heroism, I found an article and video from CNN on a car crash from way back in September that also occurred in the Logan area. The crash was from a car pulling out in front of a motorcyclist. The man on the motorcycle tried to get out of the way but it resulted in a crash. The motorcycle spilled gasoline, which soon ignited. The motorcyclist was trapped under the BMW and the ignited motorcycle. However, all was not lost. Some good samaritans came to the rescue. These everyday people gathered all together to lift the BMW off of the poor man trapped beneath. For more information on the crash read CNN's article. A video captured the heroic acts of the bystanders:
The video depicts the courageousness of the many bystanders who came to the rescue of the motorcyclist. The policeman was originally going to get a jack to lift the BMW up, but then he realized that the citizens planned on using manual labor to lift and move the car. Keep in mind that the car was on fire. These are more examples of heroes. They don't have super suits or powers, yet they completed a super act-lifting a car off of an injured victim. Perhaps that's what makes them a hero, the fact that though they have no more capability than you and me they saved an innocent man from a horrible fate. So what is it that makes them heroes?
The video depicts the courageousness of the many bystanders who came to the rescue of the motorcyclist. The policeman was originally going to get a jack to lift the BMW up, but then he realized that the citizens planned on using manual labor to lift and move the car. Keep in mind that the car was on fire. These are more examples of heroes. They don't have super suits or powers, yet they completed a super act-lifting a car off of an injured victim. Perhaps that's what makes them a hero, the fact that though they have no more capability than you and me they saved an innocent man from a horrible fate. So what is it that makes them heroes?
Heroism: The Eight Angels
This past Saturday in Logan bystanders came to the rescue of a family whose car had crashed into the a river. In the car was the father, one four-year old, and two nine-year olds. To avoid a crash with another vehicle the father put on the brakes. Unfortunately the car slid and rolled down the embankment and into the icy river below, according to KSL's article on the Logan crash. A video of the news was also included,
The video tells the full story of the crash on Saturday. The heroic acts done by the bystanders made the father of the children exclaim, "I'm confident that there were angels watching over us from above. But I also know there were eight angels in the water with me."
What does it take for one to be considered a hero? Was it the fast action by the helpers. Or was it the fact that though they had no relation to family in the car they were willing to jump in to the river in the middle of winter to save them. Sitting here I believe that I would naturally have come to the rescue the people, but who knows? Do we all have potential to be a hero or are there few who are born to be heroes? Perhaps is what you are taught as you grow up. Instead of an "every man for himself" idea, theses bystanders believed in the value of "putting others before yourself".
The video tells the full story of the crash on Saturday. The heroic acts done by the bystanders made the father of the children exclaim, "I'm confident that there were angels watching over us from above. But I also know there were eight angels in the water with me."
What does it take for one to be considered a hero? Was it the fast action by the helpers. Or was it the fact that though they had no relation to family in the car they were willing to jump in to the river in the middle of winter to save them. Sitting here I believe that I would naturally have come to the rescue the people, but who knows? Do we all have potential to be a hero or are there few who are born to be heroes? Perhaps is what you are taught as you grow up. Instead of an "every man for himself" idea, theses bystanders believed in the value of "putting others before yourself".
"Free"dom of Speech
The other day while I was watching The Colbert Report, "The Word" caught my attention. Colbert was talking about how in Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has issued a new law that makes protestors pay "$50 per hour per Capitol Police Officer". This new law was issued in response to cost of a protest in February of last year. The protesters in Madison, Wisconsin we fighting against collective bargaining rights. Stephen Colbert takes a humourous view on the issue in "The Word-Let Them Buy Cake":
He plays on the fact that almost everything seems to cost something. As he said, "Freedom isn't free, so it's logical that freedom of speech would cost money." This appears to severely contradict our right to protest. How will people get their thoughts and opinions known if they can't afford to say them. Now Colbert gives the idea that you can advertisements to pay for your right to protest, but realistically...how? Is it real freedom if we can't afford to take part in it?
The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive
He plays on the fact that almost everything seems to cost something. As he said, "Freedom isn't free, so it's logical that freedom of speech would cost money." This appears to severely contradict our right to protest. How will people get their thoughts and opinions known if they can't afford to say them. Now Colbert gives the idea that you can advertisements to pay for your right to protest, but realistically...how? Is it real freedom if we can't afford to take part in it?
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