FC: More on Feds launching Ready.gov

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

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Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 23:05:35 -0800 (PST)
From: Noah Shachtman <noahmax6000 () yahoo com>
Subject: Re: FC: Feds launch Ready.gov
To: declan () well com

Declan:

Thought this might interest to Politech...

nms

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HOMELAND SECURITY SITE DOESN'T SHOOT STRAIGHT
It's better than a hysterical call for duct tape. But
Ready.gov, the Homeland Security Department's new
website to help the public prepare ­ and deal with the
aftereffects of ­ a biological, chemical or nuclear
terrorist attack, still ignores an obvious truth: that
such strikes are nearly impossible for al Qaeda-like
groups to pull off.

Take biological weapons, for example. As previously
noted, there's only been one successful biostrike in
the history of modern warfare. All other attempts have
fizzled.

Why? First of all, smallpox, anthrax, and the like are
hard to spread effectively. There are only so many
mysterious packages you can send out. Second, the
weapons are pretty fragile. This week's blizzard on
the East Coast would have wiped out just about any
biological agent.

But there's no mention of this at Ready.gov. Instead,
families are told:

"If you become aware of an unusual and suspicious
release of an unknown substance nearby… Quickly get
away. Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric
that can filter the air but still allow breathing.
Examples include two to three layers of cotton such as
a t-shirt, handkerchief or towel. Otherwise, several
layers of tissue or paper towels may help. Wash with
soap and water and contact authorities."

Ready.gov has a measured tone notably lacking from
many of the Bush Administration's panting homeland
defense pronouncements. But the site still isn't
leveling with the anxious American public.

http://defensetech.blogspot.com/2003_02_01_defensetech_archive.html#89418393



=====
Noah Shachtman
noahmax () inch com
917-690-0716
www.defensetech.org




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