CNN Heroes

Last night Anderson Cooper, of CNN, had a program honoring ten heroes in America as well as in other parts of the world. It really was a stirring program in many ways. The stories of these individuals reflected a selflessness that, in many ways, exceeds all comprehension.

What I found remarkable about each story is that these heroic individuals saw their fellow countrymen in despair or without the opportunity to live a decent life and did something about it. I think people by nature are kind and caring. What sets these people apart is their ability to do something about it, often under trying circumstances or by overcoming huge obstacles.

Take for example the hero from Cambodia, Aki Ra, who is still trying to help people deal with the presence of landmines and weapon caches in his native country of Cambodia. Given the Vietnam Conflict and the harsh rule, later on, of the Khymer Rouge, imagine the thousands of landmines and weapons still in existence. Mr. Ra, and his Cambodian Self Help Demining, are risking their lives so that others are not exposed to these life threatening devices. His is truly a heroic story.

Whatever the name of the organization, whatever its mission, charities and individuals who act on behalf of others not only commit acts of decency, they advance the cause of humanity.

Our hats off to all who serve those in need.

Many thanks,
Dick