Craig;

My feelings also. It is the usual word from any level of government be it local, state of federal. If there is a problem that is perceived, real or implied you should state something or pass a law. What you do will probably not resolve or address the issue but “you have done your job” and can point to your “accomplishments” at reelection time.

There was a real state of paranoia during the 1950’s that the Russians would drop a bomb at any time. This feeling lessoned to a large degree when we began our Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC) flights over Turkey towards Moscow. During the 1950’s the government was telling us to build bomb shelters in our backyards and many people did. There were large boxes of medical supplies in all public schools about 3’ X 3’ X 5’ on each floor of each school.

We were instructed to duck under our desks when the nuclear bomb exploded and had practice drills on a regular basis. The fear that we experienced was real and not pleasant.

The present administration would do well to not advise us of the “Alert Status” as this will disrupt our lives on a frequent basis. The military has a job to do and it has always involved some type of alert status. Humans can take so much “Alert Status” and then you will note negative psychological consequences. Ignorance is bliss.

The Administration cannot stop a determined terrorist be it someone from another country or a citizen of our own. Prayer will help and has more value than my vote at election time.

Tom


>As you state, plastic sheeting and duct tape won't save you. IMO, this is nothing but public relations.
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>>Last week President George W. Bush stated he would protect Americans. The Administration also had infomercials about how to use plastic sheet and duct tape to protect your family from chemical, biological and nuclear attack. It was stated you should have one room that is a “safe room” and have supplies to last for three days. The bathroom was suggested as the best room to use.
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>>I would suggest most rooms are not airtight. There are air vents and stacks as well as sub flooring, cracks between floor and wall trim and other means for air to infiltrate into a room. If you in fact did have an airtight room I would doubt there would be enough air to last for three days.
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>>Secretary Tom Ridge Secretary of Homeland Security stated this week Americans had to protect themselves. He said we should use plastic sheet and duct tape and should be prepared to stay in a safe room for up to three hours.
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>>Three days, three hours, threat, Alert Status Orange, no threat, and then there is tomorrow. By the way should we create a safe room and not all family members are inside the room at the same time, what do we do if one or more members show up after you seal the door? Say goodbye or open the door? Ask your friendly Homeland Security people – I am sure they will have an inconsistent answer and perhaps one will have an answer you can agree with.
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>>Tom