Russ Steele
As the war on terror continues, it is only time that prevents the terrorists from obtaining nuclear bombs. Russian bombs are secured with rusty padlocks, guarded by poorly paid troopers. In Pakistan, a road side bomb could kill President Pervez Musharraf, and the nuclear arsenal will become available to the mullas and their there terrorist constituents. Iran continues to develop the bomb. It is only time until we have to deal with the consequences of a nuclear explosion in one, or more, of our major cities by terrorist. It will happen someday. It is unfortunate that we are not preparing for the consequences. It could be San Francisco, the hub of technology development in the US and a major port to China a major economic partner, or it could be LA. My guess, it it will be an East Coast city or Chicago. Regardless of where, the nation and our citizens are unprepared.
So, this bring us to the question. Is Jericho, which premiered tonight on CBS, preparing us for the unthinkable? I am not a TV buff and it was an accident I saw the opening of the program.
The story line from Wikipedia:
The story line revolves around the small town of Jericho, Kansas, and what happens to its residents in the aftermath of a nuclear explosion at nearby Denver, Colorado, which causes a loss of power and communications that leaves Jericho isolated. The reason for the nuclear detonation is not immediately known. Cut off from the outside world after learning of a second explosion at Atlanta, Georgia, facing rumors and fears of further attacks against other U.S. cities, and a breakdown of public order and the chain of command, the community must find a way to survive in the midst of panic and chaos.
The pivotal character is Jake Green, a 32-year-old prodigal son who returns home to Jericho for what he believes will be a brief visit, only to become stranded when the nuclear strike hits. After a testy reunion with his father (the mayor of Jericho), Jake becomes an unlikely hero, helping to protect the town from the dangers both inside and outside its borders.
What do you think? Will it happen? What will be the consequences if we are not prepared for the unthinkable? Should we worry if it could be San Franisco? Your thoughts please.
UPDATE: The October Wired Magazine, on page 52, has instructions on how to dismantle an Atomic Bomb, just in case you have an Jack Bauer moment come your way.
UPDATE: Some thoughts on thinking the unthinkable by an expert on nuclear terror.
