 |
UK Ping list - if you would like on or off, freepmail me. |
Posted on 09/24/2007 9:44:18 AM PDT by UKrepublican
Party applause for airport hero
The prime minister used part of his Labour Party conference speech to praise the airport baggage handler who restrained a terror suspect.
John Smeaton accepted the applause of the Bournemouth crowd after Gordon Brown highlighted his heroic efforts.
The 31-year-old shot to fame after helping police tackle a man who drove a jeep into Glasgow's terminal building.
Mr Smeaton had already met Mr Brown at Downing Street and been praised by First Minister Alex Salmond.
Mention of Mr Smeaton came at the start of Mr Brown's first conference address as prime minister.
The prime minister said the resilience of the British people had been "powerful proof of the character of our country".
Mr Brown went on: "When the terrorists tried to attack Scotland's biggest airport, they were answered by the courage of the police and of the fire fighters and a baggage handler named John Smeaton.
"He came to the aid of a policeman under assault from one of the terrorists.
"Later John told me it was instinctive, he was just doing what was right.
"That man, that hero, John Smeaton, is here with us today and on behalf of our country we thank you."
Downing Street
Mr Smeaton, who was sitting next to Mr Brown's wife Sarah during the speech, then stood up to accept the applause of those gathered.
At the beginning of August Mr Smeaton travelled to London to meet Mr Brown at 10 Downing Street.
A week later he was among a group, including emergency service workers, who were thanked by Mr Salmond.
The first minister said the country was "in their debt" for their efforts on 30 June.
| |
UK Ping list - if you would like on or off, freepmail me. |
PING
I’m surprised the guy wasn’t arrested.
If he was in the U.S., he’d be in hiding so as not to be contacted by the terrorist’s legal team.
lol
lol
Too true, 2 true
Man, I need to get off of here for a while, for sanity’s sake. LOL
Heh...don’t stay away long, we need your posts.
True enough. In spite of American mis-perceptions about the state of affairs in the UK, if Mr. Smeaton had not been in the right place at that right time, some other Glaswegian would have stepped up. (If I'm wrong, don't correct me!) I believe Smeaton when he said, "We'll just set aboot ye!"
Up here he got some recognition too. A local worthy saw fit to pen a poem outlining the events of the day:
A Real Scottish Hero. - anon
‘Twas doon by the inch o’ Abbots
Oor Johnny walked one day
When he saw a sicht that troubled him
Far more that he could say
A fanatic muslim b*stard
Wiz doin what he’d planned
And intae Glesca’s departure hall
A Cherokee he’d rammed.
A big Glaswegian polis
Came forward tae assist
He thocht “a wumman driver”
Or at least someone half-pissed
But to his shock nae drunken Jock
Emerged to grasp his hand
But a flamin Arab loony
Frae Al Qaeda’s band
The mad Islamist nut-case
Had set hissel’ on fire
And swung oot at the polis
GBH his clear desire
Now that’s no richt wur Johnny cried
And sallied tae the fray
A left hook and a heid butt
Required tae save the day.
Now listen up Bin Laden
Yir sort’s nae wanted here
For imported English radicals
Us Scoatsman huv nae fear
Oor hame grown Glesca Asians
Will have nae bluidy truck
So tak yer worldwide jihad
An get yersel tae France!
A positive Scottish contribution to the UK’s standing, wouldn’t you say?
At least he didn’t push him out a window.
BRavo and a salute to Mr. Smeaton. Many heroes are ordinary folks faced with extraordinary circumstances. I only hope that I would be capable of doing the same if faced with an emergency. Good for him.
Meet John Smeaton: One Kick and He Is The Hero of Glasgow [Kicked Terrorist Butt]
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1862327/posts
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.