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Edited Date/Time
1/23/2012 3:02pm
I must've missed it. A lot of magazines and media outlets usually have a Person of the Year every year, but I didn't really see one for 2009.
I'd say it's gotta be this guy -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesley_Sullenberger
I'd say it's gotta be this guy -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesley_Sullenberger
I'm a fan of that gentleman, too.
The Shop
Obama = Idiot of the Year
He was saving his ass as much as anyone else's. Firefighters do more heroic things on a daily basis, like running into burning buildings to not only save people, but to save their pets. Firefighters do these things daily. Sullenberger allowed his training to take over and did his job, a job that thousands are trained to do, and on a certain level, he got lucky. Had a boat been there or winds different, things would've been a lot different. Not saying the man isn't a hero and didn't do a great job, but he is not person of the year.
IMO, it comes down to two people
Sarah Palin and Barack Obama
and neither for the reasons you think
Both gave a sense of legitimacy and empowerment to two groups typically overlooked and even disregarded, women and African-Americans. Also keep in mind, not too many generations ago, neither were allowed to even vote in America.
Forget their political positions or party affiliations for a moment (if you're able).
Sarah Palin elevated women to a higher level in the political system, even more than Geraldine Ferraro did when she was a VP candidate, but many women were drawn to her and felt they could identify with her. Sarah Palin got closer to that glass ceiling than any other woman has, even closer than Hillary Clinton. Sarah Palin gave voice to women and showed that they have legitimacy, power and be taken as serious candidates.
Barack Obama did the same for African-Americans and other minorities. For decades children are taught "One day you could grow up to be president." Reality is, few minority children believed that, and for the most part, neither did America as a whole. If you had asked people 2-4-6 years ago, "Could an African-American be elected President?" A majority (large majority, I believe) would say "no"
Both Palin and Obama gave hope and a belief that it really is true that anyone, boy, girl, Black, White and even Hispanic can ascend to the highest levels in our Government.
Again, forget party and policy...look at the bigger picture and the message both has been able to send to young females and minority children
Now, as in 2010 there are thousands who could and would do the same had they have the chance. What's going to happen in 20 years when all the 250 hour wonders and bare bones work rules become the norm? Expect an outcome more like the Buffalo crash over the Hudson ditching. The profession is being cheapened, at the expense of safety.
Sully might not be the 'person of the year' but he is the last of a dying breed.
As far as Sulley goes. You say he just did what thousands were trained to do, but I'd say his Fighter Pilot experience and training also must have kicked in as well. Anyone that fly's or drives, or is trained to do anything for that matter, may know the correct procedure when things go awry, but few can keep calm and instinctively react in such a daunting situation. Just my opinion...
Post a reply to: Person of the Year for 2009?