This is the way I see it..

We’re strapped in at 13,000 feet riding out a wicked storm in a crippled plane. That terrible noise you hear is coming from a gaping hole that has already sucked out a few rows of passengers and two heroic flight attendants who were trying to save them. All I can do is grip my seat, do as I’m instructed and pray that we make it.

Meanwhile, up the aisle a bit, I hear arguing over the howling wind..

Was the weather report wrong?

Did the pilot even read it?

What about the control tower?

How old is the plane?

What’s its maintenance record?

We should be higher!

We should be lower!

Going faster..

Going slower!

Maybe if we hadn’t been delayed none of this would have happened..

How much longer do I have to keep my seatbelt fastened?

What do you mean “no beverage service???”

You get the idea.

Ladies and gentleman, we are ALL stuck on this harrowing flight together. This is our plane, these are our attendants, this is our crew, he is our pilot. I have NO DOUBT we all want to see this nightmare trip come to an end– just as I have NO DOUBT that everyone in the cockpit is trying their level best to safely land this plane.

Let’s leave the quarreling and complaining for the airport..AFTER we plant our feet on terra firma again..and AFTER we take a moment to mourn those who didn’t make it and offer a toast to those who saved our lives.

I’ll meet you in the bar..

(right after I get out of the bathroom.)