Civilians Must Be Ready to React

For John, BLUF:  We are now the "First Responders".  Nothing to see here; just move along.

---

Some thoughts from Jane the Actuary on the train takedown over in Europe.  Here headline is “First Responders” or “Second Responders”? “Heroes” or “Role Models”? Reflecting on the train attack.

Her point is that after 9/11 we talked about Police and Fire Fighters as being the First Responder.  As she notes, on that train ordinary citizens, a French Banker, an American College Professor at Le Sorbonne, a Brit and three relative young Americans were the First Responders.

From our time when an aircraft hijacking meant a quick trip to Cuba, we have been accustomed to letting the "authorities" handle it.  Since 9/11 we have more and more had to make do as civilians.  For example, it was a civilian who initially dealt with the "underwear bomber".

We must face up to the fact that we are now the first responders.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff