When a terrorist opened fire at an El Al (Israeli) Airlines counter yesterday at Los Angeles International Airport, an El Al security guard acted quickly and killed the assailant. Although two innocent people were tragically killed by the gunman, many more no doubt would have died had it not been for the shoot-to-kill approach of the security guard.
One wonders: Does the American government have the same shoot-to-kill mindset as the security guards an Israeli airline hires to protect its staff and customers? We’re so concerned in this country about not offending anyone, about not being judgmental, about turning the other cheek, and about making sure that some of the most vicious terrorists the world has ever known get warm showers, regular religious services, and the best legal defense available — does all of this go along with the shoot-to-kill psychology required to survive?
Liberals don’t seem to believe in shooting at all, at least not against people who are enemies of America. Conservatives are usually in favor of shooting our enemies, but perhaps only after a thirty-second pause, so as to appease the liberals. No point going to extremes, after all. Either way, of course, the bad guys win.
It’s good to know that Israelis — who have lived in the shadow of terrorism for decades now — are able and willing to defend themselves.
Now if Americans can just learn to do the same.
