Why is America -- and, for that matter, the world -- drawn to Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger and the heroics he displayed on Jan. 15, 2009? Was it because he saved all 155 lives of the passengers and crew of Flight 1549? Partially. Was it because he showed grace under fire and ditched his airplane in the Hudson River without putting anyone on the ground in peril? Maybe?

But I believe that Sully reminds us of all that once was good and unfortunately may not ever be again. All Sully did that day was his job. He did what he was trained to do. He was presented with a situation -- a dire one at that, and solved the problem. He didn't blame anyone for his predicament. He didn't react with unbridled emotion and become hysterical. He didn't curse God and proclaim, "Why me?" He dug down deep, used his training, skill and determination said, "Not today, not on my watch." He remained calm, relied on himself, and did his job with the utmost efficiency.

This is what this country and its people used to do when faced with adversity. No matter how big or small, this country relied on itself, its people, its training, its skill and its determination to solve its own problems. In generations past, Americans didn't blame anyone else for their ills. They didn't wallow in self-pity and proclaim, "Why me?" Americans didn't look to anyone else to solve their problems other than themselves.

This country has lost its grit and its determination. It has lost what made it the greatest nation on earth. It has lost its citizens, who -- at one time -- stared death in the face and said, "Not today, not on my watch."

Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger did what we hope we would all do in that situation, but with what is displayed on a daily basis from our leaders and citizenry, I fear that would not be the case.

JEFF SEYFERT, FARMINGTON