I was just in the bathroom washing my hands and the radio was on. Normally I don't pay attention to commercials, but this one...

It was an asthmatic sounding little boy solemnly explaining how his daddy was a hero (a fireman) and how he went into burning buildings to save people, even when he couldn't breathe or see himself. A stern but pleasant gentleman's voice went on to explain that the ad was from the US Fire Administration. The public warning was what really caught my attention. They explained the necessity of preparing at all stages: smoke detectors, exit plans, leaving quickly, etc. Their closing statement was, "Do your part to get out before they have to come in."

Now maybe I'm discrediting the average American's intelligence level, but smoke alarm upkeep or not, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if there's a fire in the house, it's really in your best interest to LEAVE THE FREAKIN' HOUSE! Honestly, it's their job (they know what they signed up for) and it's not like they're doing it because we're all too stupid to figure out how to leave. I think firemen should be recognized as heroes, just not at the expense of the general populous' intelligence.

  posted by Erin @ 8:42 PM