Amidst all the political finger-pointing after the terrorist attack of Detroit flight 253, I think Americans are forgetting an important point: Everyday citizens are an effective weapon against terror.
In this case, it was Jasper Schuringa from Amsterdam, the assistant director of National Lampoon’s Teed Off Too (His popularity has gone up 25,060% on IMDB).
It’s simple: Tackle the guy who is lighting his pants on fire and put him in a headlock.
OK, maybe the bomb was just a dud, and Schuringa didn’t thwart the plot, but he certainly acted heroically and burned his hand in the process.
The passengers and flight attendants who doused the flames inside the flames deserve credit as well.
Obviously the TSA, the CIA, the FBI, and the DHS failed us by allowing the underwear bomber on the plane, but where our government failed, ordinary citizens stood up to defend themselves and preserve the passangers on the plane.
It’s strange that once we get on our planes, our only protection from terror comes from fellow passengers and flight attendents.
As the discussions that follow this attack continue, we should examine how we can better empower citizens to recognize attacks and act heroically to thwart terror.
Americans who had to stomach the horrors of 9-11 could look the bright spot of heroism of the passengers of Flight 93 for comfort. That sort of heroism should be celebrated in our country and taught to our children. Will Americans forget the phrase “let’s roll”?
