The day we looked out for each other.

As we’re made more reliant on the government to keep us in our houses, buy us our cars, and pay for our health care, I thought I’d take a look back at an event 6 years ago today when people took things into their own hands: the blackout that hit the Northeast and Midwest, knocking out power to 50 million people.

With government services overwhelmed, the citizens took over, directing traffic, distributing water, looking out for each other. It’s a great reminder of what we can accomplish when left to our own devices.

If you were one of those left in the dark, you’ve probably never seen this story, which aired on 20/20 the next night.

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