"So, if I wasn't a "First Responder," what exactly was I?"
You're just a civilian. You don't get to wear a neat costume.
Thus:
He would be more noble and heroic than you in any of the same circumstances.
See, as an "amateur" you would be LUCKY if you succeeded.
As a "trained professional" he would be selfless in his service to the "citizens"
It's all in the language, guys... control it and you control the debate.
Willie
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