HEROES or ERRANTS? Just setting the record straight

OK I just have to get this off my chest. I have been dumbfounded by the recent rush to proclaim someone a hero only to find the facts of the incident indicate they screwed up. Have Americans become so desperate to have heroes in their lives that they rush to conclusions? Is the word HERO an easy headline for the media, or is it just a good "buzz" word for a politician to use in front of cameras?

Cases in point:

The Stolen Ship Incident: Last week Capt. Richard Phillips was hailed a hero after being rescued by the United States Navy. Hmmmm, lets see if I understand this. Phillips was sailing his gazillion foot freighter over the high seas off the coast of Somalia. Four 16 year old kids in a skiff managed to capture the ship and take the captain hostage. How did he let that happen? It seems to me the real heroes are men and women of the US Navy who "executed" his release.

Hero or Goose Killer: We all remember the miracle landing in Hudson River by Capt. "Sully" after he flew his Airbus jet into a flock of geese causing both engines to fail and forcing the plane to land in the Hudson River. I am pretty sure airline pilots are told it is not wise to do either of those events. Nevertheless, after having a couple 10 pound geese take control of his multimillion dollar aircraft, Capt. Sully was heralded a hero. I believe the real heroes are the flight attendants and ferry boat crews whose swift actions assisted in the rescue of the passengers from the cold water.

Lost Soldier: During the early days of our immoral invasion of Iraq we all gasped at the news that one of our female soldiers had been captured after fierce gun battle. Before we really knew what happened, the Whitehouse had erroneously described her fierce battle against the enemy and led to speculation she was being tortured and raped. It turns out her supply unit was lost after her company commander did not follow directions. They wandered into an enemy strong point the rest of the Army was trying to avoid. Jessica never fired a shot form her weapon. Fortunately, after the battle some decent Iraqi citizens took Jessica Lynch to a hospital where she was treated until rescued by special forces. We now know the special forces were not needed as the doctors were seeking her safe return. I would call the citizens and doctors who gave her safe care the real heroes of this unfortunate event.