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What is an American hero?

Enrique Iglesias performs "Hero" 10 days after 9/11.

What is an American hero? Sometimes American heroes are famous. However, as we well know, all famous people are not heroes.

As we honor the 20th anniversary of 9/11, let us celebrate American heroes whose names we may not know, including the first responder, victim, family and citizen.


September 11 is forever etched in the souls of those of us who witnessed the event.

Ten days after 9/11, Enrique Iglesias performed 'Hero' for the 'America: A Tribute to Heroes' telecast. It is a profoundly moving rendition of a beautiful song, and you can watch his performance at the top of this post.

The Fulcrum will be exploring American heroes in greater depth in the coming months. Who is your American hero? What does the term American hero mean to you? What are the characteristics of a hero that you admire and aspire to? We would love to hear from you. Please feel free to share your thoughts via email at newsroom@fulcrum.us.


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Calling AI “super” makes it sound omniscient. A faith leader coalition explains why the word “artificial” matters and what to do instead.

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Reject the Sand God. Call AI by Its True Name

President Trump recently signed an executive order telling federal agencies to replace the term "artificial intelligence" with "Super Intelligence." He said the word "artificial" makes the technology sound fake.

Many Americans already treat AI as a “super intelligence” that knows better and that they should confide in. Many already assign it the role of spiritual counsel, close confidante, or even romantic partner. In a Common Sense Media survey, one-third of teenagers claimed they had discussed serious personal matters with an AI instead of a person, and 31 percent said talking with an AI companion was as satisfying as talking with friends, or even more so. Bible Chat, an app that offers scripture-based advice and prayers, has been downloaded more than 30 million times.

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The Oil Crisis Is an Opportunity to Develop a Different Kind of Politics

On September 14, American oil executives delivered some alarming news. “The great oil crisis is here.”

As the Wall Street Journal explained, “Commercial fuel stocks around the world have been depleting for more than six months, and strategic crude reserves can’t be tapped much further. Attacks last week shut down a crucial crude pipeline in Saudi Arabia that bypassed the Strait, stranding at least 2.5 million barrels a day from an already tight global oil market….”

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Statue of Liberty holding torch with text bubbles instead of flame.

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What Language Does a Ballot Speak?

Picture a 55-year-old woman in Berkeley, California, the week the mail brings her voter information guide. She opens the booklet at her dining table, puts on her glasses, and reads it in Vietnamese. Inside are a sample ballot, statements from candidates who are vying for different positions, whether for governor, Congress, or, better still, a plain explanation of each local measure she needs to vote either yes or no on. The guide tells her to fill in each oval with a black or blue pen. By the time she picks up that pen, she already knows who to vote for based on the candidates' statements and their plans for the city.

Ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, Alameda County prints its guide in English, Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese and asks voters which language they want. Ballots began going out Oct. 5 in the same five languages, so residents can vote alone, without asking a neighbor, family member, or even a stranger what the paper says.

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