Fight Back America

Lest we need another reminder, the disturbing news about the murder of 16-year-old Emily Keyes in a school shooting in Bailey, Colorado this week confirms it. This country needs to toughen up.

Everyone, now: turn to your kids, your parents, your loved ones, your colleagues and co-workers, and tell them that they have to save themselves, and that they should not hesitate to do it.

If and when some deranged clown comes in to your school, or onto your plane, or into your office, or your restaurant, or your shopping mall,waving a gun and intending harm, get out if you can. But if you can't, or if you believe that you can intervene and do some good, TAKE THAT CLOWN OUT!

Naturally, it's easier said than done, and when loud blasts start going off down the hall, our human instinct is to cut and run, duck and cover, get out alive. And that's probably a good idea. Let's be clear: I am not in any way being critical of anything anyone has done who actually been in such a situation. In some cases, it might be best to lay low. And not all of us are inclined to jump a gunman.

But when conflict with the gunman is inevitable, when you or others are backed into a corner, or your only choice is to submit and turn your life and safety over to a stranger who means you harm, don't hesitate. Go at him or her with everything you have.

We need to be like the brave souls on Flight 93, and defend ourselves. Let's face it: there aren't enough cops or troops or airline security screeners to do a damn thing for you when the stuff hits the fan.

I tell my kids: if someone comes up to you with a gun and tells you to get in his car, DON'T DO IT. Run like hell. They probably won't shoot, and even if they do, you're better off being dead or injured than getting in that car and putting your very existence in his hands.

And if you are a kid in school, run like hell. Don't wait for anyone to give you permission. Don't expect your principal or your teacher to get control of the situation. They are undoubtedly good and conscientious people, and you should give them the benefit of the doubt. But if you see a way to get clear of a bad situation, take it.

Or, if you have some size and confidence, and the situation is such that you can overcome the killer, don't wait. Jump in. Better to go down trying than go down cowering or pleading. And if you are in a situation, and someone tackles the murderer, pile on. Grab the gun. Shoot the bad guy. Kick him in the head. Drop a rock on him. Poke a scissors into his eye.

Katrina should have taught us: don't wait for the cavalry to show up with the evacuation bus: get on your own two feet and get out of town on your own power. Carry someone else on your back.

Flight 93 should have taught us: if the choices are bad and worse, do what you can to get the hell out. Even if your odds aren't good. Better to go down swinging than to duck and cover. Don't passively prepare to die; prepare to conquer your attacker.

Fight back, America! (People are trying to kill us).