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Sept 3, 2003 Since Tom Ridge and the Homeland Security Boys (a new rock group) haven’t yet told you exactly what to do when the alert changes from yellow to orange—or, heaven forbid, to red, I thought I would do it for them. Yes, you too can be an anti-terrorist. First, if an attack occurs, don’t panic. There is no need, as there is nothing much specific you can do to combat anthrax, nerve gas, nuclear radiation from a “dirty bomb,” or the blast of an atomic bomb. Carrying around a protective mask and suit is impractical. So the thing to do is not wait until there is an attack, but help to prevent one. How can you do that? Glad you asked. 1) Stay alert for anything—anything!—suspicious. You see a couple guys in civilian clothes taking photos of the nuclear power plant across the river? Sure, it’s probably innocent. They may even be FBI operatives gathering data to prevent an attack. But you don’t know, do you? So report it to an appropriate authority. 2) Even better, photograph them and their activity with that neat little digital camera you always carry with you—you do carry one, don’t you?—and pass that photo on to the authorities, too. And note the license plate if you can without getting yourself into danger. 3) Watch for packages, brief cases, backpacks, or other objects abandoned in airports, waiting rooms, auditoriums, rock concerts, or other places where people are tightly packed and an explosion could injure and kill many. 4) If you are in a state which allows concealed weapons carry, then obtain a suitable pistol, practice with it, and carry it everywhere it is legal to do so. Spend some time once a week mentally rehearsing your actions if a crew of terrorists start blasting away with automatic weapons in the middle of your local mall. 5) Encourage friends to obtain their concealed carry license, too. The more of us there are, the better chance we have. 6) Read my previous articles on computer security and CARRY OUT THE SUGGESTIONS! Making every computer in America more secure will make it more difficult for cyberterrorists to perpetrate their schemes. 7) Keep physically fit. 8) Always wear shoes you can run in. Always! 9) More to come. ------------ About the author: 62-yr-old physician, still practicing, retired from 41 years intermittent military service as of June 1, 2003. Just write for the fun of it. Currently writing a novel. Email Brooks A. Mick: brooks15@cox.net Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
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