by Richard Ellis

Created on: January 05, 2010

In light of increasing world terrorism, piracy on the high seas, the ever present threat of new wars and nuclear proliferation, and the growing presence of violent domestic crime in our cities, it might be said that courage comes down to simply living.

Of course, we generally don't think of these things as having a direct effect on us. We often tend to think, when we think of it all, that those things "can't happen to me". It doesn't take any courage to stand against an unperceived danger. It is when it becomes obvious that the danger is at one's own doorstep, so to speak, that the courage to stand and fight, or the fear of a coward, is manifested in each of us.

The Oxford American Dictionary, College Edition states: "Courage is the ability to control fear when facing danger or pain, bravery. To have the courage of one's convictions, to be brave enough to do what one feels to be right."

The courageous and the coward both experience fear. It is how one reacts to fear that makes the essential difference. The brave man or woman puts fear under his/her own control. The coward lets fear control him or her.

Our city, county and state police have a sworn duty to enforce the civil laws of our communities. Our firefighters likewise have a duty to preserve and protect. The men and women who put their lives in possible jeopardy daily for the sake of others must have the courage required to do their jobs. They must be willing and able to overcome their natural fears in any dangerous and life threatening situation. Often they must do this in the blink of an eye, without thought for their own safety. So, they are trained for these situations you may say. That does not lessen the danger they often face or diminish the courage they display.

The same must said for the men and women of our armed services, our military forces; those who fight for our liberties and freedom everyday. They know the meaning of courage under fire and under otherwise trying circumstances. They daily face danger selflessly; which is what courage is all about.

Our military faces a fanatical enemy; an enemy which is all the more deadly because they, too, have courage. A sort of misplaced, false courage. Their "courage" is based on their belief that they will be highly rewarded in heaven for murdering infidels. They do what they do selfishly. Which is not courage at all, but the surrendering of one's mind to the ravings of their religious leaders.

To this point we have described physical courage, but there

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