Why does Ingrid Betancourt deserve the Legion of Honor?

Question

Fine, she was captured by the FARC and she was saved. Yes, but what about all the other people who've been saved, who've survived longer? Betancourt KNEW she was at risk of being kidnapped when she went to the Colombian interior. She's done nothing special, except be a mildly successful politician who was recaptured. It really pisses me off when all of a sudden people nobody gave a **** about are important because of some mildly interesting detail. Like Bhutto for example. She died and all of a sudden everyone was mourning her like she was the greatest person in the world. It's my opinion that Betancourt has done NOTHING special to deserve the Legion of Honor and its all pure politics from Sarkozy. What do you guys think?

Answer 1

No, I do not think she does, as you stated she put herself in danger by going to the interior, and was obviously warned of the danger.

She did nothing exceptional in a leadership capacity, ans while I am happy for the fact she is alive, and free, there are a lot more deserving people for the Legion of honor.

Answer 2

I think that people's lives deserve to be honored, especially when they set an good example for future generations.  Betancourt is much beloved in her country and is a brave woman.  KNOWING she could be kidnapped did not stop her from trying to have a positive impact on situations that have gone on in Columbia for many, many generations.  I call that pretty brave.