Pentagon Quake Nightmare: Fukushima on the Mississippi

[harvey007]

Source: Wired

In May, the federal government simulated an earthquake so massive, it killed 100,000 Midwesterners instantly, and forced more than 7 million people out of their homes. At the time, National Level Exercise 11 went largely unnoticed; the scenario seemed too far-fetched — states like Illinois and Missouri are in the middle of a tectonic plate, not at the edge of one. A major quake happens there once every several generations.

But Tuesday’s earthquake along the East Coast is a reminder that disasters can hit where they’re least expected. And if the nightmare scenario comes, government officials worry that state and federal authorities won’t be able to handle the “cascading failures” that follow. The results of May’s disaster exercise won’t be released to the public. But privately, these government officials say they’re glad that this earthquake was just a drill — and not the big one. Especially because there are so many nuclear power plants in the fault zone.

Read more: http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/08/quake-nightmare/

[FirstLight]

1. you know, such a no-brainer

step one: bring home all troops
step two: start a huge re-build america project (infrastructure & energy grids, etc)
step three: use soldiers and civilians to do the work

with the money we spend on war, this idea would be fully funded...and even better if you repeal the bush tax cuts immediately.

why is this so hard? :banghead:

[TatonkaJames]

2. WHAT'S SO HARD ?

It's a logical plan, that's what. And what logic has come from D.C. the past 50 years ?

[FirstLight]

4. ugh, too true

I am so tired of shaking my head in disbelief and sadness...the PTB continue to rape & pillage the land and people...and nobody can do anything to stop it? it's just stupid...

but then again, i'm an idealist... and that's a dying breed, lol

[kas125]

6. Unfortunately, you're right. Not much logic ever comes from DC.

And I love your avatar, btw. I have always loved The Wheel sticker and have put one on every car I've had for the last 25 years, at least.

[jwirr]

5. That would not fix the unemployment problem BUT it would bring

the money home to be spent in America thus jump starting the main street economy.

[Overseas]

3. That's why 3rd Way style posturing in support of nuclear power bothers me so much.

Some of our leaders say they support nuclear power partly to show that they are not leftie dreamers-- to show that they are "adults." I really think that is the main reason our leaders go on record in support of dangerous power sources. "Look, Ma, I'm a realist!"

But the opposite is true. Adults would have taken heed after Fukushima especially and suspended any further development of nuclear power until our existing plants were upgraded with the latest safety technology or shut down if they were too vulnerable to earthquakes and extreme weather events.