Some Real Men

Townhall.com ^ | July 22, 2012 | Carol Platt Liebau

[Kaslin]

In a day when our culture too readily dismisses words like "valor" and "chivalry," it's worth pointing out the heroism of three men who died protecting the women they had escorted to see the midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" in Aurora, Colorado.

In a cynical age where the very concept of "heroism" is too often dismissed as hopelessly naive, even the famous "women and children first" part of the Titanic story has been denigrated -- with the naysayers arguing that it happened only because the ship's captain threatened to shoot any men who climbed into lifeboats ahead of children and women.

Maybe so, maybe not.  But even if the Titanic happened as the critics say, then all it took is one man with courage (the captain) -- and the ability to back up his threat -- to make a more elevated moral order than "every man for himself" stick.

And sure, in life-threatening horrors like the Batman massacre and the Titanic sinking, there will always (understandably) be some element of animal panic and self-preservation instinct that takes over.  But not always -- and as we learned amid the devastation of 9/11 and its aftermath, there is still a need for the "manly virtues" when the face of evil reveals itself.

And that's why it's doubly impressive -- and doubly important -- to be able to point out the selflessness, the physical courage, and the real manliness of those who gave their own lives to protect others.  Our society would be infinitely improved if all the fatherless young men wandering around in gangs, with saggy pants and tattoos, waving weapons in the streets learned about this truer, better way to "be a man."

[FlingWingFlyer]

What can you say about these three men. I would only hope that I would be man enough to have this kind of courage.

God bless them. They were special Americans.

[fortheDeclaration]

Our gender neutral society, they don't want the concept of masculine and feminine virtues taught.

Each gender has it's unique virtues that are expected for a man to be considered a gentleman and a woman a lady.

Sadly, these have been overthrown with feminism.

Boys have to be taught to be men and young girls to be ladies.

They need to see role models in their own parents.

[GeorgeWashingtonsGhost]

These guys did the instinctive thing; To protect the female. Ssssshhhhh.. This is in direct violation of what is taught today. The surviving females will shun feminism from here on out.

[cableguymn]

lets not forget about Jarell Brooks who ran back in to the theater to save Jamie Rohrs kids as Jamie ran for the exit leaving his kids and girl friend behind....

http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981488017

[fortheDeclaration]

I think most women instinctively shun feminism, they want real men.

Problem is that they don't demand those masculine virtues from men.

[cherry]

its nice to see even with these horrible circumstances....

it seems to me if we ALL just got back to doing what is supposed to be our natural tendencies...men protecting women and children, and women protecting their children like mad grizzly bear mamas....the world would be a better place...

[bitterohiogunclinger]

From the article it appears she still intends to marry the dufas that ran and left her to get shot.

[cableguymn]

This is correct. Shes not a very bright one is she?

[dagogo redux]

The guys just probably looked down the road to the divorce settlements, custody battles, wife turning lesbian, endless nagging and such, and said “What the heck.”

(Flame away if you must)

[Twinkie]

It seems that in the face of awful American tragedies, there always arises examples of what is best in Americans - the hijacked plane on which the passengers banded together to prevent the terrorists from using the plane to do even more unspeakable damage - these Colorado men who stood to protect their women in whatever way they could; and countless other examples of sacrifice. - The spirit of courage and love that is stronger than death, stronger than cowardice and hatred. It is not exclusive to America, of course, but it does still live in America and is some glimmer of light in this darkness we all see and speak of often.

[Taxman]

Too bad no one in the theater was armed.

I would submit that this is a good reason not to ever leave your house unarmed!

One never knows when one may need a weapon!

[Impy]

Ping

[Impy]

Would you have thrown yourself on top of your GF?

[Impy]

Father of the year.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Not exactly the same thing, but fairly close...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnfbhdELQLA

[csmusaret]

Where are the women’s libbers screaming these guys should have minded their own business?

[GOPsterinMA]

I usually do...

:)

Yes. But, I also would have returned fire.