I apologize if you got the impression that I was specifically referring to you or your comments regarding CERT. I was not. What I am talking about is the increasing idea that only those individuals under formal control of "the authorities" should assist in any way, because they alone somehow have the skills, training, and common sense to get the job done. That sort of thinking will only result in the "us vs. them" attitude that seems to permeate the ranks of our public servants these days.

One thing that could be done to alleviate this attitude is to return the word "civilian" to its original meaning: someone not serving in the armed forces. My father was a police officer for 30 years and I never heard him use that term. He instead used "citizen" when speaking about non-LEO's. But then again I've even heard the word "citizen" bandied about somewhat contemptuously these days.

As far as people getting in over their heads, look at the bigger picture. If citizens were publicly encouraged to help in emergency situations instead of being publicly scorned, then maybe more people would prepare themselves, or even seek formal training. I think then that the benefits would outweigh the cost.

Regards, Vince