Phreak,

No, I don’t know him. Perhaps he is complex and analytical, however, he seemed simple and non-analytical to me, so that’s what I said. You needn’t read in things I didn’t say. I don’t know that he’s “common folk” either, but I would agree from descriptions of him in the newspaper that he probably falls in that category. And I’m not judging that one way or another; it is what it is. I agree that he appears to have different priorities than some other folks, be they intellectual or not - what’s that got to do with anything?

He’s a true hero in your book - what makes him so? I hadn’t given any thought to him doing something heroic. I think he was brave in his truck driving job and brave in captivity. A lot of people are brave but not regarded as heroes. Usually heroism involves self-sacrifice to save or benefit another or others. He took the truck driving job because it payed more than he made on his farm, not to sacrifice himself to benefit Americans or Iraqis. What do you think he did that is heroic? Perhaps you noticed something I overlooked.

SSF,

I didn’t say he is slow. Please re-read if necessary. He appeared to be a simple person based on the brief glimpse offered by a TV interview and two newspaper articles I read about him. Again, I could be wrong; perhaps he is a highly complex and very analytical person, but he sure didn’t come across that way.

And what value that you wish we all had? If you mean patriotism, I agree. But I’m not into blind, unquestioning patriotism that is popular with some people. I grew up in the 60s and always question authority and stressed the same with my kids. Hence, I have absolutely no use for the “America, love it or leave it” type of patriotism. That is simply foolish to me. I’m more of a “America, love it, criticize it, try to make it a better place, and nobody gets a free pass” type of patriot.

So, do you think I put my foot in my mouth by commenting on the Hamill interview?

Sincerely,

Salmo g.