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I found it particularly ironic and sad that a few days after the Presidential debate on Friday -- a debate that featured discussions about stem cell research, and one where John Kerry talked very poignantly about our obligations to give hope to those with as of now incurable spinal, nervous, muscular, and other disorders -- and talked of the resilience of Christopher Reeve to keep up his body as best as he could so that perhaps some day he could benefit from medical cures
I know that Christopher Reeve was an actor, and in his latter years, an activist -- it is perhaps trite to say that he was a hero because he played Superman in the movies -- although it seems ironic that the role he is most identified with really became him through the example he set with his life
In his life, particularly after becoming paralyzed, he became an example of the human ability to cope and deal -- to believe when it seems like everything has turned against you, to possess inner determination and confidence not only to live, but make your life as you believe it could be
Too often, in the past few years -- I have looked to examples of "American leadership" in politics, business, sports, and other areas -- and too often, I have found it to be full of bluster and not worthy of mentioning in the same breath to those who we should consider to be heroes and leaders
I saw this on a tribute on aintitcool.com, I believe that it best captures what I feel about Christopher Reeve -- and also what I think about what makes a great leader and hero
"A hero means what he says and does what he means with equal parts passion and intelligence. In this day and age, it seems like we have to choose between the two when it comes to our leaders. In the role of Superman and in his real-life battle with paralysis, Christopher Reeve showed time and again, with the greatest confidence and humility, just how absurd such a choice is."
Perfectly said -- RIP, you were a great American hero
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Well put.