Military Discipline

[phkrause]

A crowded American Airlines flight is about to take off, when a 5-year-old boy decides to throw a wild temper tantrum. No matter what his frustrated, embarrassed mother does to try to calm him down, the boy continues to scream furiously and kick the seats around him.

Suddenly, from the rear of the plane, a retired Israeli Air Force General slowly walks forward up the aisle. The General leans down and, motioning towards the boy’s chest, whispers something into the boy's ear.

Instantly, the boy calms down, gently takes his mother's hand, and quietly fastens his seat belt. All the other passengers burst into spontaneous applause.

As the General slowly makes his way back to his seat, one of the cabin attendants says, "Excuse me, General, but could I ask you what magic words you used on that little boy?"

The old General smiles and confides, "I showed him my pilot's wings, service stars, and military ribbons, and explained that they entitle me to throw one passenger out the plane door on any flight I choose."