Jeff Thomas
New member
As has been noted elsewhere on this forum, Billy Jeff was quoted on 1/21/99 as saying it is "highly likely" that a terrorist group will launch or threaten a germ or chemical attack on U.S. soil. OK, let's take Billy at his word - pretty strong statement, although 'threaten' probably already has applied. The legal / political implications of that interview are being discussed elsewhere in this forum - so what about the practical implications?
I'm not going to stay up nights over this, and I realize there might not be enough notice to take any effective action. However, as a civilian I would like to consider how I would handle this potential threat.
My first thought would be to exit the area, but that would be everyone else's as well. And, if we can't evacuate the scene, our weapons and training won't do us much good against germs and chemicals. [When I was a kid we had a neighbor who built a bomb shelter in his back yard. My Dad thought he was nuts, but changed his mind in later years when he read the details of the Cuban missile crisis.]
So, is there anything civilians can consider in such a situation? Is there a source for reasonably priced gear that would provide reasonable protection to oneself and family members? How would you know that gear is any good? I've heard that you can get anthrax vaccinations - true? And, we've all seen examples of the military gear used during Operation Desert Storm. Or, considering the incredibly low odds of such an occurence, is it simply a waste of breath to even consider any response?
I'll apologize to Rich up front if this is too far out - it certainly feels far out to me. But, Billy started this ...
[This message has been edited by Jeff Thomas (edited 01-24-99).]
I'm not going to stay up nights over this, and I realize there might not be enough notice to take any effective action. However, as a civilian I would like to consider how I would handle this potential threat.
My first thought would be to exit the area, but that would be everyone else's as well. And, if we can't evacuate the scene, our weapons and training won't do us much good against germs and chemicals. [When I was a kid we had a neighbor who built a bomb shelter in his back yard. My Dad thought he was nuts, but changed his mind in later years when he read the details of the Cuban missile crisis.]
So, is there anything civilians can consider in such a situation? Is there a source for reasonably priced gear that would provide reasonable protection to oneself and family members? How would you know that gear is any good? I've heard that you can get anthrax vaccinations - true? And, we've all seen examples of the military gear used during Operation Desert Storm. Or, considering the incredibly low odds of such an occurence, is it simply a waste of breath to even consider any response?
I'll apologize to Rich up front if this is too far out - it certainly feels far out to me. But, Billy started this ...
[This message has been edited by Jeff Thomas (edited 01-24-99).]