Welcome to my blog page. I will be adding blogs to let you know the latest news involving Archie Smith Instruments. You can view past blogs by clicking a blog date at the bottom of the page. (July, 2008-  I am adding some new types of information in the blogs that do not deal specifically with my instruments necessarily, but will provide you information, views, etc. that allow you to see more about what makes me "tick."  I also will stick in an "Opinion Blog" occasionally, but will clearly label it as opinion.  I WELCOME your response to these blogs.  Please let me know what you think.  E-mail me at  info@archiesmithinstruments.com  Thanks)

Opinion Blog

Something to Think About

What is a Hero?

I approach this blog with some trepidation, as I have no desire to step on “well-meaning toes”.  But, here goes. For some time I been troubled by the contemporary use of the term “hero”.  The “Media” informs us that all persons in uniform, all firefighters, all police, all EMT personnel, etc. are “heroes.”  PLEASE!! Do not misunderstand me. I consider all of these persons as very dedicated, sincere people who do the very best that they can to defend America, and protect the people and property of Americans.  But, this, in and of itself, does not make them “heroes” despite their dedication and sincerity.

Suppose some young person decides that they want to be a “Real Hero”. They become a soldier, fireman, policeman, etc. (The term “man” in these examples is NOT gender specific – it refers to a PERSON of either gender who occupies that position.)  They REALLY want to be a hero. They carry out their duties very well and very consciencously, BUT, if the opportunity to perform some EXTRAORDINARY act of heroism never occurs, then they are “out of luck.”

I am not sure that one can set out to make themselves a hero and succeed.  True heroism, it seems to me, comes from within and, if the opportunity arises, it happens, or it doesn’t.  I really don’t believe that it comes from a conscience decision.  It happens so fast that one doesn’t really have time to think.  What about the soldier who throws himself on a grenade to save his “buddies”?  He doesn’t have a lot of time to think about what to do.  He either does it, or he doesn’t.  What about the firefighter who hears a scream from inside a burning building and rushes in to try to save a life.  He doesn’t have a lot of time to weigh the options. It is a reflexive action.  That is where the true hero is to be found.  It is in his/her nature, it is not a well-thought out decision.

So, what is the big deal?  The big deal, to me, is that if we use the term “hero” to refer to anyone in a hazardous occupation, then what term DO we use to describe those few, rare individuals who go beyond the usual, ordinary duties to perform TRULY heroic deeds?  We need a term to describe them and their actions - to separate their actions from the norm- to give them the honor that is their due.  If the term “hero” is used to describe the norm, what term do we use to describe the TRULY HEROIC actions of those few True Heroes?

I welcome your e-mail response.