I couldn’t agree more. I have long been troubled by the use of the adjective “hero” in this country.
Many people tend to confuse “hero” with “celebrity”. And I have never subscribed to the concept of treating people who died as a result of crime, terrorism or any number of things as “heroes”, but then I am one of those people who gets pissed every time they lower the flag to half-staff when anyone dies.
I think it is not a good or positive thing to constantly be flying our flag at half-staff. Do I think it was appropriate for 9-11? Yes. Do I think it is appropriate for this bombing up here in Boston? No, I don’t. I’ sure there are people who consider me some kind of uncaring neanderthal, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have sorrow for those killed and wounded.
I just think it is a BAD thing to constantly have our flags at half-staff. It conveys a sense of weakness and vulnerability that I think is both unhealthy and dangerous.
If we fly the flag at half staff for every little thing, soon it becomes an everyday thing and loses its significance.