HARLAN RICHARDS
June 7, 2018

Another American Hero

In the U.S. there isn't much opportunity for citizens to step up and make a difference. We are mostly safe from danger and live comfortable lives. Most citizens will never face that moment of truth where they find out what they are made of—whether (as the saying goes) they are a man or mouse.

Jason Sieman had his chance when a student opened fire in Noblesville Middle School in Noblesville, Indiana. Jason didn't hesitate. He reacted to the shooter by attacking him and disarming him. He prevented a massacre and showed what can be accomplished when a man of courage acts. He didn't cower under his desk or plead for his life. He fought back. He was shot three times in the process but fully recovered in a few days.

This reminds me of when the hijackers flew their planes into the Twin Towers on 9/11. I remember thinking that there will never be another successful plane hijacking again because every aircraft passenger from that day forward would know that he or she will die if the plane is hijacked. I assumed that, under these circumstances, a majority of passengers would rise up and overpower any hijacker rather than face certain death. In turn, hijackers would know that future hijackers would be futile. I must have been the only one who had faith in Americans' willingness to protect themselves because Congress created Homeland Security at a cost of trillions of dollars. They did not have the same belief that passengers would act to protect themselves and could do so effectively.

Jason Sieman, I applaud your bravery. Let your example inspire all Americans to stand, ready to put their lives on the line to keep us all safe. Perhaps if disaffected teens knew that everyone would fight back when attacked there would be fewer of them trying to commit massacres.