[evan]

Originally Posted by L99SS

I'm betting the reason people feel slighted over this is because of how many other people in this great nation do so much good in their own communities. There are plenty, and how many who do good in their community are shot, are victims of crime, are killed driving to work, but not nearly as applauded as this one?

That, I believe, is why there is some chapping with this decision. Although former Congresswoman Giffords does/did all these things, she was an elected official and survived a serious attempt on her life. Whether one supported her positions on political matters or not, this was her job. Mrs. Giffords was not forced into serving her country, she ran of her own choosing, chose freely to serve, and chose freely to accept whatever risk comes with the job.

The fact an attempt was made on her life is a shocking one; the fact she survived is one of joy and inspiration, but it does not mean we as a nation must gush and woo over her at every possibility.

Let me put what I have just said in perspective:

Countless random people perform commendable acts every day, even risking their own life or well-being, but they don't expect a vessel named after them; they don't look to receive a medal for it; they don't want national recognition for their act. Everytime such a person is asked about it the first thing out of their mouth is, "I did what anybody would do, SHOULD do. I don't deserve a medal or anything. If I had to do it all over again, I would." And they weren't paid a cent for it. Now that is praiseworthy.

What you are referring to is being humble. That, is a dying trait in man-kind.