CNN has released it list of Top 10 Heroes of 2008 . The judges who picked these ten people seem to have chosen to rewrite the definition of a hero:

1 a: a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b: an illustrious warrior c: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d: one that shows great courage

2 a: the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work b: the central figure in an event, period, or movement

3 plural usually heroes : submarine 24: an object of extreme admiration and devotion : idol

The CNN heroes are involved with reading, helping poor children, medical assistance to the poor, schools. All ten are worthy of recognition and admiration. But, they’re not heroes.

Spec. Joe Gibson is a hero.

Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter and Cpl. Jonathan T. Yale are heroes.

Chicago Fire Lt. Nicholas Cairo is a hero.

IMPD Officer Madeline Lothamer is a hero.

Heroism is being diluted by media and by well-meaning but confused liberals. Giving charity is not heroic. Being killed by terrorists while sitting at your desk is not heroic.

Heroes are the people who run towards the fire, towards the sound of the guns. Heroes are those ordinary people who do extraordinary things and many of them die doing so. Heroes do more than raise money or jog with the homeless.