Do you know the name Johan Santana? Barry Bonds? Derek Jeter? Do your kids know these names? I don't follow baseball but even I know them. How about Heath Ledger? You couldn't touch a remote, or visit a news site without being inundated with his name over the last few weeks.

How about Michael Murphy, Paul R. Smith, Jason L Dunham? No not ringing a bell? Gary Gordon? Randall Shughart? These are the last 5 men to win the medal of honor. And the fact that these men are not common knowledge says more about the shallowness and tunnel vision of American society then any long speech or ranting book can.

Even if you are against the war, heroism, bravery and self sacrifice should be respected and admired. Spend a few minutes with your children, describe what these men did and why they won our nations highest honor. Show them there is more to aspire to in life then acting, or playing baseball.

Let your children's heroes be heroes.