JT: In a thread yesterday Lizard_People stated, “Ron Nilson was a solid candidate, and is a great American hero.” Solid candidate? yes. great American hero? I don't think so. There are many complimentary words which could be used to describe Ron Nilson - “successful businessman”, “volunteer”, “mover”, “shaker”, “Vo-Tech advocate” - but, to me, “hero” is not one of them. To me a hero is one who, at significant risk to his/her own person or life, acts to protect or rescue others. I think of those who run into burning buildings, battlefield actions, etc. It seems the American cultural definition of hero has changed, becoming little more than an individual who will stand on some principle. Is that it? I have also heard of young children who dial '911' leading to a rescue referred to as heroes. They did a good thing, learned well, absolutely. But hero? What, today, makes a hero?

Question: Do we use the word 'hero' too loosely today? Who is your hero?