I submit that the "higher-ups" of politico-Republi-canery would have joined with the pack of groupe-nationalizing socialist Democrats in the politics of personal destruction against each and every one of the militia.
No matter the feeble records from the militia, in the hands of the public --- in spite of the government efforts to squelch it.
The acts of the militia in the skies over Pennsylvania, would have been severely condemned as "taking the law into their own hands" as the worst of "the vast right-wing" ... and "see what these 'vigilantees' are like?!"
In addition, I submit that federal government's reaction would be exactly every step taken to date, both abroad and at home:
Surgical attacks upon some terrorists "over there," because the opportunity affords it, and strict inside the airport security here.
For you may see that from such steps taken, what actually is the response of the federal government and the Bush [still running 75% of the Clinton] Administration.