Surviving a Nuclear Attack on Washington, D.C.

National Journal ^ | June 24th 2005 | By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.

[swampmonster]

I hate to admit it, but around here I would be more afraid of a scenario like this happening somewhere along the gulf in the warmer times of the year (say Orlando or Houston) or the Midwest/Great Lakes area during the colder times of the year (say Chicago or St Louis) due to the fact that air masses/jet stream would blow radiation over me and most of the rest of the country.

This is not a 9-11 scenario. When it comes down to it, it would be every man for himself for some time.

[ExSoldier]

It was a joke, maybe a poor one, but an obvious one nonetheless.

Ping to #114

[brazzaville]

Good afternoon.

Pournelle was one of my favorite authors. I haven't seen anything new by him in years. Is he still alive?

Michael Frazier

[Springman]

This reminds me of a Time Mag. artical from the early/mid 80's saying what would happen in Detroit if a 1 Megaton bomb went off at 1-75 & 1-94 interchange.

Just hope you wouldn't be at work that day.

[leadpenny]

I'm just happy when I survive the DC traffic.

[dpa5923]

I was responding to a post in responce to #11, you direct me to a post in responce to #100.

I am not sure what you are trying to say, but post 11 was a joke and early in the thread.

[ExSoldier]

Did you read The Mote in God's Eye? or Footfalls? I'm pretty sure he's still around. Whups, gotta go. I'm late for my Bible Study. Later, everybody.

[RoseD]

Whitley Steiber, wasn't he the guy repeatedly abducted by aliens??

[whd23]

If we underestimate the evil we're up against, we'll be destroyed. Bush gets it, but the democrats live in la la land.

Which is exactly why Bush has had the borders locked down to prevent people from sneaking into this country. Oh, wait....

[swampmonster]

This article is also missing the other fallout. Within hours the Internet (where still operational) is full of sites declaring that we, the United States, brought this on ourselves. That we should understand the terrorists so we could realize why they did this. The news media begins a witch hunt to look for anyway this could be done by "militiamen." Many terrorist organization around the world claim this attack as theirs. America seems to become galvanized and united however it really isn't. Within days the conspiracy theorists begin making up wacko conspiracy theories. These become popular world wide. In Europe such books become best sellers. At the same time the international media begins an elaborate "appease America" operation all the while showing true sympathy side by side with those people crying crocodile tears. College professors in the US get censured though praised for saying, "aren't you glad Washington DC got nuked? They deserved it." In the following weeks and months while it seems the US is going to do something about this attack in terms of retribution, the false sympathy begins to evaporate. Around the world (and in every mainstream American University) people are not only glad the terrorist nuked us but also state their firm belief in a US government conspiracy. (So which is it?) When we are ready to go after the perps, many countries around the world set up road blocks to keep us from our objective. Any of this sound familiar?

[TChad]

Since this scenario is so likely, the federal government should begin dispersal now. Send most or at least some of the legislators home, and let them meet and vote via phones and the Internet. The President should not actually live in the White House. Leave D.C. to the locals and the tourists.

The piece does not mention what will happen to the value of urban real estate after one or two terrorist nukes explode. What happens to the economy when that much wealth simply disappears overnight?

[RinaseaofDs]

Bump

[Springman]

LOL!!!!

[RinaseaofDs]

Depends, I think.

Initially I think you're right. Market economies are resilient, and what it will really mean in the short term is that futures in lumber, building materials, etc. will be very high. Non-essentials will go low.

Depends on how many bombs go off.

[TChad]

Pournelle is still alive and still writing, at least for Byte.

http://www.byte.com/documents/s=9502/byt1119296749209/0620_pournelle.html

I loved "The Mote in God's Eye," but probably more for Niven than Pournelle.

[brazzaville]

Good afternoon.

Thanks for the info. Yes Niven is very good.

Michael Frazier

[GOPJ]

Which is exactly why Bush has had the borders locked down to prevent people from sneaking into this country. Oh, wait....

OK, things could be better. But he's not some idiot dem who wants to abolish borders and let everyone in... Still, you're right. The GOP has to do better on this issue:

[G32]

"Depends on how many bombs go off."

Probably the top 3-10 cities will go up at once. America will be ruined, but do we have the guts to ruin the islamic world and north korea in retaliation?

[JockoManning]

BIG SIGH.

Lord Jesus, send revival, please save souls in the DC area.

Anoint the words of Christians and give unbelievers the ears to hear and to heed.

I plead the Blood of Jesus over my loved ones there. Mercy, Lord Jesus, I ask You for mercy on them.

Father, I ask that You hear and answer this prayer. I pray in the Name of Jesus. AMEN.

[RichInOC]

Good one, but my favorite has to be "The Obsolete Man".