A genuine tragedy

This past weekend a plane carrying Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife, the Polish Defense Minister, and a number of other Polish government officials crashed in Russia en route to the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Katyn massacre.  All aboard were killed.

This is a genuine tragedy.  Lech Kaczynski was truly one of the good guys.  He was a fervent anti-Communist in the 1970s at a time when being an anti-Communist in Poland was an act of genuine courage (or insanity).  Kaczynski's activism landed him a stint as a political prisoner.  He was a member of Solidarity almost from its inception.

This man stood bravely in the face of the ultimate destroyer of men - Totalitarianism - and came away a winner.

He was active in Polish politics from that nation's liberation from the Soviet Bloc until his death.

Genuine men of courage like President Kaczynski are to be honored, not just in death, but in all times.  They endure persecution and prison so that others might be free.

Godspeed, President Kaczynski!

A hero prevents a catastrophe

Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, III is an incredible human being. Who, exactly, is Sully? Sully is the pilot of USAir flight 1549 from LaGuardia to the Hudson River. His heroics saved the lives of 155 people.

In the sick, sad world in which we live, there aren't many opportunities to acknowledge heroes -- mostly because they're few in number and not given to tooting their own horns. And there is a tendency (I'm as guilty as anyone in the media or blogger nation) to focus on the negative.

But I'm overwhelmed with admiration at this great man, who took a life-and-death situation and, utilizing a combination of extraordinary preparation, extraordinary skill, and extraordinary courage, put a completely disabled airplane down into a river in such a way that the plane remained intact, allowing the rescue of all aboard.

You want real role models for your children? Don't look to athletes and politicians. Look to quiet, strong men like Sully Sullenberger.