Real Life Superheroes... Or Not?

When Seattle-based masked crusader Phoenix Jones was arrested last week for pepper spraying a group of people he claims were fighting, he piqued the curiosity of thousands across the nation. A real-life superhero? Stopping crime in the dark of night? Suit, boots, mask and all?


It turns out Jones isn’t the only ordinary guy whose nighttime is filled with crime-fighting, caped adventures. The Web site RealLifeSuperheroes.org boasts 720 members. Posts on the site suggest there are dozens, if not hundreds, of real-life superheroes currently in action in St. Petersburg, Fla., New York City and Milwaukee, among other cities.

For those who have not watched Mystery Men, this may not sound familiar.  Unlike the movie, where lovable talented men stop evil, the reality is likely to end up like Batman, where those who try to stop crime find themselves victims of the criminals.

These folks aren't above the law, but I can't say I don't admire their attempt to make the world a safer place.  We need more heroes and we need more people to take a stand and refuse to allow crime to shape our lives.  However, it's imperative those who want to help follow the law and act responsibly.  And yes, I'm going to go on record and say men wearing tights is not in the interest of the public.