SPLATH!

Steven Slater did what so many want to do, everyday. He said "F*$K this, I'm outta here". We have a few of those stories of our own through the years, and there is (almost) something brave about walking out and not looking back! And, in the service industry, the temptation probably occurs almost daily. As much as we love you ("this" general public), "that" general public is a royal pain in the ass. The "privileged" quotient has never been higher, and so many are spoiled, me me me, ass****s who actually believe that the service-appropriate, success-required phrase "The customer is always right" is like a license to be rude and demeaning. Or, to completely ignore policies and rules.

Steven Slater was likely expected by Jet Blue, as stated in company policy, to reply "Excuse me Miss and forgive me for banging my head against your suitcase". Instead, he flipped her the bird and flew the coop!

He is a hero in my book. But, not because he managed a difficult public for years and years. And not because he quit in a moment of passion. Not because he walked and did not look back. He is a hero not because he said what so many have felt so many times and not because he said it over the loud speaker. In my book, although it is beautiful that he was bailed out and will have his legal fees covered by an adoring fan base, this is not why he is my hero.

Cool as shit, that he exited by way of the emergency slide. Seriously, that's badass. But, for me, the coolest thing that Steven Slater did was this: In the heat of the moment, head throbbing and with blood boiling, about to be unemployed passion, knowing he was about to eject and walk away, Steven Slater had the presence of mind to grab a couple of beers.

He marched across the tarmac, found his car, got in the drivers side, undoubtedly exhaled heavily, started the engine and popped the cap of his final compensation, to enjoy a cold brew on his drive to service industry martyrdom.