Before Mr. Stack's daughter retracted her statement, she and many TEA partiers considered her father a "hero" for bringing attention to injustices committed by the government (in her mind, anyway). We know that a man killed by Stack's intentional crashing of his plane was Vernon Hunter, a 67-year old father, husband, Vietnam Vet and IRS employee (to mention nothing of his many other circles). Understandably, Hunter's family disagreed with Stack's daughter's calling her father a hero, especially after his carefully planned attack, anti-government and selfish motivation, and disregard for others.
What is a Hero? A Martyr? A Terrorist?
What is bravery? What is patriotism?
Each of these words is loaded with meaning, and the meaning differs between people and peoples. It changes our appraisal of events and of the individuals involved. These words are political words and intentionally used to impart a meaning that furthers the agendas of the politically powerful. People who use these words are very aware of the emotional impact on the audience.
Can we identify any minimal criteria for Hero? or the others?
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