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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 55. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jodie on February 12, 2003, at 21:43:54
Local news, and national news has been telling us here how to prepare for attacks. They are telling everyone to have 3 gallons of water per person, tape and plastic to seal windows, vents, etc., canned foods, an emergency bag per person with clothes, food, water, necessary meds, etc., how freaky!!! I am scared. It's better to be safe than sorry, but how serious is this? And will tape and plastic really work for bio-terrorist attacks??? We are on "Terror Alert HIGH". Talk about feeling pretty damn unsafe here in our country. Damn Saddam & Bin Laden!!!!
Posted by agencypanic on February 12, 2003, at 21:53:07
In reply to Preparing for Terror Attacks!!, posted by jodie on February 12, 2003, at 21:43:54
I thought that the alert level was orange, not red. As if it matters I guess.
I don't believe that duct tape and plastic sheeting are going to do anyone any good, unless you're painting or something.
It may help the economy of hardware stores. Concern about bioterror, nuclear terror, terror here in the US sure keeps one's mind off the real terror that is about to be
inflicted upon millions of people in Iraq and the Middle East in general.
Posted by jodie on February 12, 2003, at 22:09:43
In reply to Re: Preparing for Terror Attacks!!, posted by agencypanic on February 12, 2003, at 21:53:07
Real terror for Iraq & Middle East yes, but honestly, I'm worried about US!!! Sorry, just don't have much pity for
"them", yes there are innocent people there, but here too!!! Just like 9/11 attack. I believe it is orange, #4, High Alert
Posted by jodie on February 12, 2003, at 22:13:04
In reply to Preparing for Terror Attacks!!, posted by jodie on February 12, 2003, at 21:43:54
I don't want war, but my personal opinion, something has to be done!!
Okay, did I just make lots of enemies???
Posted by jodie on February 12, 2003, at 22:25:42
In reply to Preparing for Terror Attacks!!, posted by jodie on February 12, 2003, at 21:43:54
Okay, I'm done watching Fox News. They are just scaring the shit out of me. I'm sick of it, gasoline almost $2 a gallon...whats all that about?
Posted by Dinah on February 12, 2003, at 22:36:27
In reply to Preparing for Terror Attacks!!, posted by jodie on February 12, 2003, at 21:43:54
Yeah, that's going to help, isn't it. Like those nuclear bomb drills in the fifties. If you hear a siren, get under your school desk. Sure. Nuclear radiation couldn't possibly make it through a school desk.
I think the main purpose is to give people a feeling that they have some control, something they can do. Have you ever been in a really scary situation and even being told to do something really useless somehow makes you feel better? (I half way suspected that was the purpose of Lamaze.)
I don't think they have any concrete information. If they did, they'd have us prepare better. All we can do is go about our normal lives. To do otherwise is hand ourselves over to those who would harm us. There's no doubt that there are those in and out of our country who hate our country or our government bad enough to kill innocent civilians.
I just wish that people would see how much more productive peaceful protest is. The peaceful protesters in India won the freedom of that country. The peaceful protests and revenge-free turnover of power in South Africa helped that country immensely. I read somewhere that people need to know their "enemy". The peaceful protesters in India knew that England wouldn't stand for trains rolling over unarmed citizens, while if they were trying to gain freedom from Hitler that probably wouldn't have worked. And acts of terrorism won't get anyone what they want against most countries. Has it ever worked? Anywhere?
I guess all we can do is to pray for peace for all the lands. And good sense for all the world leaders, and all the world's citizens as well.
Posted by jodie on February 12, 2003, at 22:54:58
In reply to Re: Preparing for Terror Attacks!!, posted by Dinah on February 12, 2003, at 22:36:27
I agree. Your post was perfect. Just go about our normal lives!!!
The whole situation is so sad.
I don't know if you watch South Park, but there was an episode about a volcano erruption. The authorities were telling people to roll up in a ball and your body acts as a shield to the lava, and it just rolls over you. They showed some try it, and they just burned up. That episode was awesome!!! Kind of the same thing here. Plastic & tape, its not going to work.
We are at "high" level for terrorist attacks. Is the next & last level "severe"? Do you know, I was just wondering.
Nice to hear from you!!!
Take care!!Jodie
Posted by dreamerz on February 12, 2003, at 22:59:36
In reply to Re: Preparing for Terror Attacks!!, posted by Dinah on February 12, 2003, at 22:36:27
When the royal family goes on holiday and blair goes away thats the sign , boom.
I'll just purchase a nice stash .
Posted by dreamerz on February 12, 2003, at 23:01:42
In reply to Re: Preparing for Terror Attacks!! » Dinah, posted by jodie on February 12, 2003, at 22:54:58
Where do you live Jodie..you don't have to say
Posted by dreamerz on February 12, 2003, at 23:10:53
In reply to Re: Preparing for Terror Attacks!! » jodie, posted by dreamerz on February 12, 2003, at 23:01:42
Does nasty chemical weapons/dirty bombs affect my kitty ?..I'll get her a stash too.
Posted by gabbix2 on February 12, 2003, at 23:14:33
In reply to Re: Preparing for Terror Attacks!!, posted by agencypanic on February 12, 2003, at 21:53:07
I have a suspicion that George Bush might be purposely trying to frighten people He's stated that Iraq and Al quaeda(sp) are co - conspirators quite recently. Now he's warning about terror attacks from the Al Quada who is dubiously (imo) connected with Iraq.Frightened people quickly turn to angry people and it could only help to inflame the publics support for an attack Iraq, after all it would be attacking Al quaeda as well.
It just seems a little "timely" to me, as he hasn't had the amount support he seemed to expect.
Agency Panic: Couldn't agree more.
It sure keeps one's mind off the real terror that is about to be
> inflicted upon millions of people in Iraq and the Middle East in general.
Posted by Ilene on February 12, 2003, at 23:42:59
In reply to Preparing for Terror Attacks!!, posted by jodie on February 12, 2003, at 21:43:54
> Local news, and national news has been telling us here how to prepare for attacks. They are telling everyone to have 3 gallons of water per person, tape and plastic to seal windows, vents, etc., canned foods, an emergency bag per person with clothes, food, water, necessary meds, etc., how freaky!!! I am scared. It's better to be safe than sorry, but how serious is this? And will tape and plastic really work for bio-terrorist attacks??? We are on "Terror Alert HIGH". Talk about feeling pretty damn unsafe here in our country. Damn Saddam & Bin Laden!!!!
Short answer: No. Tape and plastic is not an effective biohazard barrier. Not if you like to inhale.I don't see how having any of that recommended stuff would have helped people in the Twin Towers or Pentagon attacks. Not that keeping a few gallons in your gas tank and some water in your basement isn't a good idea...but plastic sheeting and duct tape? If sealing your house is going to be effective against biological or chemical weapons, the seal has to be airtight. Which means you will eventually breathe up all your oxygen, a la Kursk.
In truth, you are *way* more likely to meet your maker under the wheels of a drunk than under the attack of a terrorist.
Posted by Dinah on February 12, 2003, at 23:47:39
In reply to Re: Terror Attacks!! forgive me I'm Canadian,,but, posted by gabbix2 on February 12, 2003, at 23:14:33
Heaven only knows, I'd hate to turn this into a political thing. :( There is just too much pain everywhere.
I would think it could be possible that it is propaganda. But on the other hand, a genuine effort to make a strike at the US on the brink of its war with Iraq wouldn't be hard to believe. The thinking could be to scare Americans - I think a lot of people think that Americans won't stand for loss of American life and will demand a stop to the war.
At any rate, I'm guessing the government is darned if they do and darned if they don't. If they sound an alert and nothing happens, they'll be accused of fear-mongering. If they don't sound an alert and something happens, there'll be the months of finger pointing there was after 9/11. Who should have known what when. Why didn't they warn us. Etc.
Again, I pray that this is the former. That the alert is sounded and nothing happens.
Posted by jodie on February 13, 2003, at 0:37:56
In reply to Re: Preparing for Terror Attacks!! » jodie, posted by dreamerz on February 12, 2003, at 23:01:42
> Where do you live Jodie..you don't have to say
Indiana USA
Posted by jodie on February 13, 2003, at 0:40:36
In reply to Re: Terror Attacks!! forgive me I'm Canadian,,but » gabbix2, posted by Dinah on February 12, 2003, at 23:47:39
I like your words Dinah!!! I agree with you totally!!!
Posted by Dinah on February 13, 2003, at 0:45:09
In reply to Re: Terror Attacks!! forgive me I'm Canadian,,but » Dinah, posted by jodie on February 13, 2003, at 0:40:36
Posted by shar on February 13, 2003, at 1:21:53
In reply to Re: Terror Attacks!! forgive me I'm Canadian,,but, posted by gabbix2 on February 12, 2003, at 23:14:33
I agree completely. War is good for certain parts of the economy (usually), the rich get richer, there may be more jobs around, the spotlight is off what's happening right here in the good old USA in other areas (hmmm, many people thinking about medical care for senior citizens right now?). Nobody is noticing how Bush has screwed Americans backward and forward (well, non-rich Americans)...because there's a lot more "exciting" stuff going on.
Bush is grasping at straws, which he's been doing for years. He's a funny, good time, good ol' boy who claims to be from Texas, and after bringing Texas to its knees as governor, went on to become president of the US. The best thing is, he's out of Texas.
Sorry to be so political, but it IS political, it's strategy, poker, chess. While we stock up on drop cloths and duct tape, our lives are about to come crashing down along with the non-rich folks economy. I imagine the wealthy will fare quite well.
Downer Shar
> I have a suspicion that George Bush might be purposely trying to frighten people He's stated that Iraq and Al quaeda(sp) are co - conspirators quite recently. Now he's warning about terror attacks from the Al Quada who is dubiously (imo) connected with Iraq.
>
> Frightened people quickly turn to angry people and it could only help to inflame the publics support for an attack Iraq, after all it would be attacking Al quaeda as well.
> It just seems a little "timely" to me, as he hasn't had the amount support he seemed to expect.
>
>
> Agency Panic: Couldn't agree more.
> It sure keeps one's mind off the real terror that is about to be
> > inflicted upon millions of people in Iraq and the Middle East in general.
>
>
Posted by beardedlady on February 13, 2003, at 6:55:06
In reply to Re: Terror Attacks!! forgive me I'm Canadian,,but » gabbix2, posted by shar on February 13, 2003, at 1:21:53
I'm down wit' dat. Both of youse.
My husband wanted me to add that, in our Hollywood/Disneyland culture, it's pretty quick to fabricate all the evidence of terrorist voices and threats, and then call in the experts to verify their veracity.
I'm not sure I'm as much of a conspiracy theorist as all that, but anything's possible.
Still, it didn't stop me from waking up at 4:00 a.m. thinking about how long it'll take for the festering cancer blobs from a semi-distant dirty bomb to cover my family's bodies and kill us.
Duct tape and plastic will not protect us from our own government. And in case of a chemical bomb, the plastic will melt.
One more thing to think about: I wonder sometimes what I'm going to tell my daughter when it actually begins. What do you think the Iraqis are telling their children? A war on their own soil is more likely to kill them.
Well, now that I've begun my morning on such a low note, it can only get better. Right?
beardy : (>
> I agree completely.
> > I have a suspicion that George Bush might be purposely trying to frighten people
> > Frightened people quickly turn to angry people and it could only help to inflame the publics support for an attack Iraq, after all it would be attacking Al quaeda as well.
> > It just seems a little "timely" to me, as he hasn't had the amount support he seemed to expect.
Posted by Dinah on February 13, 2003, at 8:14:43
In reply to Indeed, Gabbi and » shar, posted by beardedlady on February 13, 2003, at 6:55:06
I haven't the energy right now.
It's just too sad, and I'm just too sad about this and about reasons unrelated to this, to be able to see this turned into a political thing in good spirit.
I'll be back when I'm feeling better.
Posted by tina on February 13, 2003, at 8:26:19
In reply to Re: I'm goin' guys...., posted by Dinah on February 13, 2003, at 8:14:43
take time for you. you'll be missed though.
I wish we could just have some peace. In our personal lives, in the world, everywhere.
take care
tina
Posted by beardedlady on February 13, 2003, at 9:09:23
In reply to Re: I'm goin' guys...., posted by Dinah on February 13, 2003, at 8:14:43
I am sorry you're uncomfortable. I've been afraid since we went on orange alert, and today it's red.
I don't know why what I said was the last straw for you. I didn't know this was a political debate or that anyone was picking sides or anything like that.
I think we're all afraid, and we deal with it in very different ways.
I hope you find relief. Take care of yourself.
beardy
Posted by Dinah on February 13, 2003, at 9:37:52
In reply to Re: I'm goin' guys.... » Dinah, posted by beardedlady on February 13, 2003, at 9:09:23
It wasn't you, Beardy. I'm just tired...
And people seem to have trouble accepting that good decent people can have different opinions about things. And I don't feel up to arguing the point, and I wouldn't feel right not arguing the point.
I don't know what I think about the war, but I don't assume that those who are for attacking Iraq have evil motivations. I think they probably want the same things we all want. I don't think those that are opposed to the war have evil motivations. I think they probably want the same things we all want. The opinions just reflect a difference in ideas on how to get there. Just like most political opinions. No one's the bad guy.
I was mildly opposed to invading Afghanistan, although I saw both sides. But the Afghanistan people don't seem overly upset to be free from Taliban rule. I'm mildly opposed to invading Iraq, although I see both sides. Time will tell what decision was best. Hindsight is 20/20. I don't suppose the Kurds will mind overmuch.
I don't expect anyone here to agree with my largely apolitical stance. And I don't feel up to reading posts demonizing one side or the other, because it makes me sad that people feel they need to do that. I'm guessing that everyone involved is doing what they think is right.
So I'm going for a while until I feel stronger. This board uses emotional energy that I just don't have. Maybe I'll read the Psychology Board.
But it wasn't anything you said.
Posted by beardedlady on February 13, 2003, at 9:45:51
In reply to Re: I'm goin' guys.... » beardedlady, posted by Dinah on February 13, 2003, at 9:37:52
I understand what you're saying.
My mother is for the war, and she voted for George Bush. Our politics are at opposite ends of the spectrum. But I am still able to see her as one of the most intelligent, introspective, and thoughtful people I have ever known. She thinks she's right; I think I'm right. But neither of us think any less of each other.
Those who are not able to accept that others have different views are usually people who are insecure in their own views.
I didn't, however, see that here. I just saw people expressing their opinions, not demonizing others for having different ones.
People are not their politics. It's easy for me to love a person with whom I disagree.
I have grown to really care about you, Dinah, and it doesn't matter a bit whether you're left, right, or dead set in the center.
beardy
Posted by dreamerz on February 13, 2003, at 9:49:00
In reply to Re: I'm goin' guys.... » beardedlady, posted by Dinah on February 13, 2003, at 9:37:52
Dinah..
I have bad dreams etc about war -can't watch news..so I try and humor myself to escape or I'd flip..things here in london are scary--so i don't delve into serious issues i 'm hiding in a nightmare behind a smiley mask.
Posted by Dinah on February 13, 2003, at 9:58:11
In reply to Re: I'm goin' guys.... » Dinah, posted by beardedlady on February 13, 2003, at 9:45:51
> I didn't, however, see that here. I just saw people expressing their opinions, not demonizing others for having different ones.
>
Perhaps you're right, Beardy. I might be remembering past threads. :) But I am tired...> People are not their politics. It's easy for me to love a person with whom I disagree.
>
> I have grown to really care about you, Dinah, and it doesn't matter a bit whether you're left, right, or dead set in the center.
>
> beardyThat means a lot, Beardy, thank you. I'm not leaving you know. Just taking a short break. And look how hard it is for me to do even that. :)
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