Disasters Redux.

     In the first two and a half months of 2011 the world has experienced an unprecedented string of floods, earthquakes and a cataclysmic tsunami. Now man has added a major disaster of his own: nuclear meltdown. Because Japan has been through all of these calamities before, it is probably the best prepared nation in the world to withstand these events, but the results indicate that no matter how extensive the preparations, they can be overwhelmed by nature.
     Of course, this does not mean that we should not prepare for unexpected disasters to the best of our ability. It does take, however, something we do not seem to possess: the will. Here is an example of where we stand in that department:
     According to The Christian Science Monitor, the Obama administration had decided to run a simulated terrorist 'dirty bomb' attack on Las Vegas last May. The test was canceled after Senator Harry Reid (D, Nevada) objected, saying “[To] simulate a nuclear detonation in the heart of the city would unacceptably harm the Southern Nevadan economy." I presume Senator Reid expects to be in Washington in the event of a real attack.
     But what can we do to prepare for such emergencies? As I wrote in January, 2010, here are a few measures we could work on:

     1.) Map vulnerabilities via a National Community Disaster Impact Assessment. The federal government should invest in a solid foundation of information for decision-makers, and establish a national program to assist states and localities in undertaking formal assessment and disclosure of potential risks and regional impacts.
     2.) Develop state-level disaster preparedness plans. Using the information assembled through the NCDIA, state and regional planning agencies, in conjunction with FEMA, should develop improved management plans for emergency preparedness in the event of unexpected disasters.
     3.) Set financial disclosure requirements for documented threats. Estimates of potential risks and resulting liabilities should be incorporated into public disclosure requirements for property owners and managers of publicly traded companies.
     4.) Establish a national fund for critical infrastructure investment. Building on the example of the National Highway Trust Fund, a dedicated resource should be established to meet new and growing threats to homeland security at both the national and community level.
     5.) Build smart micro-grids for emergency energy security. To reduce costs and improve system reliability and reaction times in the event of blackouts and service disruptions from natural disasters, it is essential to invest in smart and secure micro-grids. These would include on-site generation of renewable electricity sources that can withstand interruptions in flows of natural gas and electricity, while continuing to ensure critical services like traffic signals, pumping stations, emergency response services, and other critical energy needs.

     Of course, all this will require some resources, but Mother Nature has a way of sneaking up on you. Ask the Japanese.

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     The internal conditions of the brain do not cause or lead to joy, depression, et. al.; these conditions are joy, depression, happiness, etc. Because the animal body is a group of point/events which are fully imbedded in nature, these conditions are irrevocably subject to the actions of the Spirit. I shall have more to say on this subject in a later chapter.
     An In-Depth Look At The Spirit's Activity – The Spirit Runs Through It.

The Spirit Runs Through It is available in paperback or on Kindle.