https://www.isegoria.net/2014/02/what-can-a-mere-rifle-do/ From the ancient Greek for equality in freedom of speech; an eclectic mix of thoughts, large and small Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:48:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.6.1 https://www.isegoria.net/2014/02/what-can-a-mere-rifle-do/comment-page-1/#comment-1121031 Faze Mon, 10 Feb 2014 02:40:44 +0000 http://www.isegoria.net/?p=34210#comment-1121031 The Northeast Blackout of 2003 exposed the vulnerability of the grid much as 9-11 exposed the vulnerability of airline travel, yet while 9-11 triggered a massive security overhaul, the blackout (which was caused by a falling tree branch in Ohio) was “just one of those things”. As we experience day after day of sub-zero temperatures this winter (at least where I live) I can’t help thinking of the death and chaos that would result from a repeat of the 2003 tree branch fall — say — tonight. Highways would clog with cars headed south. Gas stations would run out of fuel to sell. People would burn their furniture, and most of their houses. And many thousands would freeze to death. I’m pleased that this topic has come to the forefront of a few national forums over that past week or so, and hope it doesn’t fade from our security consciousness.

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