Allegations, accusations, denials, congressional hearings, alleged cover-ups, and a raft of
unanswered questions. That is the residue (so far) of one of the most publicized and, for practical
purposes, least substantive “news stories of the year.” There are, though, a few “actual facts,” so to
speak, that might also be mentioned. Just as a start.
Despite U.S. moves to improve nation-to-nation relations with Iran, Tehran continues to support
groups and organizations obviously unfriendly to the United States – the Alavi Foundation, for example.
It is clear, moreover, that the anti-U.S. virus is spreading, with Somalia and other countries joining
the international junta facing the free democracies of the world.
The term “global war on terrorism” is now politically incorrect, in at least some circles. There is
mounting evidence, though, that some terrorists do not agree and are already planning new attacks
against domestic targets on the U.S. homeland.
Properly used, chemicals can benefit mankind in many ways. Improperly used – by terrorists, for
example – they can be more of a curse than a blessing, and as weapons of mass destruction could be even
more dangerous, over a longer period of time, than a nuclear missile.
A senior FEMA official discusses her personal experiences during the 17 October 1989 Loma Prieta
earthquake in California and how it helped her realize that effective response-and-recovery operations
require not only the efforts of the “official” federal, state, and local agencies involved but also the
cooperation of thousands of individual citizens.
The ambitious, entertaining, and stunningly innovative series ends with the volunteers’ “Exodus” –
“Escape” would be an equally accurate description – to a new and seemingly better world 150 miles or so
south, a bit further inland, and apparently blessed with a greater abundance of the resources needed for
human survival.
The Colonists fight, then reunite, but recognize that their chances of long-term survival diminish
almost visibly with each passing week. They have done well – exceptionally well, under the circumstances
– but know that a brighter tomorrow is many miles away. Can they make it?
The survivors gain an additional member, and encounter not one but several additional problems.
Tempers flare, supplies dwindle – but human genius provides a spark of mobile optimism. What are the
lessons learned that future generations can use to develop and implement their own survival plans?
Another trip (always dangerous) to the L.A. River teaches the Colonists that the challenges they
face are psychological and emotional as well as physical. They also know that they need a continuing
supply of protein; fortunately, there is a lot of it scurrying about the warehouse.
The ten volunteers continue their quest for survival – but are suddenly rocked by the unexpected,
and unexplained, disappearance of one of their members. The “real” loss of this one person is in some
ways emotionally more distressing than the cataclysmic loss of the entire nation in which they had lived
during their previous lives.
Allegations, accusations, denials, congressional hearings, alleged cover-ups, and a raft of
unanswered questions. That is the residue (so far) of one of the most publicized and, for practical
purposes, least substantive “news stories of the year.” There are, though, a few “actual facts,” so to
speak, that might also be mentioned. Just as a start. 