Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Happy Wonderer · 05-12-2003, 01:34 PM

Ok, so it is just a drill but doesn't it seem somewhat creepy?

I think that drills are a very good idea in general, but this one seems more like a hollywood production -- including overturned buses and stand-ins for President Bush and Ari Fliescher? WTF?

Quote:

The mock explosion of a radioactive �dirty bomb,� the first event in the weeklong drill, was being conducted on several acres in the south Seattle industrial area. Smashed cars and buses, ruined buildings, scattered debris and spot fires added to the realism....

Fire and police personnel � and even a fake news crew � began arriving as spot fires were set throughout the training site.

People trapped on a smashed bus cried for help.

A detailed, 200-page scenario was written for the drill, which officials said was as realistic-looking as possible. Stand-ins portrayed President Bush, Vice President Cheney and even press secretary Ari Fleischer.

So if we don't have any terrorist action, we make some up to keep the drumbeat going. How much is this costing us in a city that is facing a huge deficit?

Again, I think that practicing for a terrorist attack is a good idea. But when it becomes playacting I really wonder what is really going on.

hw

matthias j. · 05-12-2003, 02:04 PM

I think they're just cultuvating the fear amongst the citizens to jusify past and future wars.

It's purely psychological imho.

simian · 05-12-2003, 02:21 PM

I have to say have a "dress rehersal" is downright stupid, in my humble opinion. First is the potential for people who don't know it is just simulated - nice way to start a panic. Second - I can think of this, so I assume any reasonably smart terrorist could as well - is that the simulation is an ideal place to have a real attack. Most would think it was simulated. Those who did not would be poo-pooed immediately.

Simian

Evangelion · 05-12-2003, 03:54 PM

Quote:

People trapped on a smashed bus cried for help.

Hell, I've even known people on perfectly functional buses to cry for help!

That's public transport for you.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

05-12-2003, 02:04 PM	#2
matthias j. Regular Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Belgium/Ghent Posts: 191	I think they're just cultuvating the fear amongst the citizens to jusify past and future wars. It's purely psychological imho.

05-12-2003, 02:21 PM	#3
simian Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: St. Louis, MO area Posts: 1,924	I have to say have a "dress rehersal" is downright stupid, in my humble opinion. First is the potential for people who don't know it is just simulated - nice way to start a panic. Second - I can think of this, so I assume any reasonably smart terrorist could as well - is that the simulation is an ideal place to have a real attack. Most would think it was simulated. Those who did not would be poo-pooed immediately. Simian

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.