A Great Nation Rises In The Worst Of Times

by Michael Graham - January 18th, 2009 - Boston Herald

Looking for this week’s classic American tale? Forget the rise of Barack Obama. It’s the fall of Flight 1549.

There, lined up on the wings of a sinking plane like kids patiently waiting for the school bus, was the real America.

Not to name any names, but there are those who believe American society is broken, that our national soul needs healing, that our citizens lack the character to even set our own thermostats. But I believe that the nation this unnamed person will be sworn in to govern on Tuesday is a much better place than many of his supporters (not to mention family members) believe.

The test of a great life is not the character of the country a person lives in. It is the character of the individual and their ability to cope with the challenges that life sends their way.

During the horror of the last century, when totalitarian states ruled Europe, there were people who did the right thing. They were not Americans but most Americans were proud to stand with them. The question is not whether there are still Americans of courage who do what is needed under crisis. The question is why are they no longer a majority?

Holding that question for another day, I agree we should honor Sully Sullenberger and the many other heroes that stood tall in crisis. They are the people who make a nation great. God bless them.