Exhibit 1: They don't know the difference between a comet and an asteroid.
Exhibit 2: An object the size of YU55 would not end the world...not even close. Local devastation...yes...global...no.
Exhibit 3: EMS tests a lot.
Exhibit 4: YU55 will not hit the Earth...it is not a threat to Earth...just as Elenin was not a threat to Earth...although numerous idiots would not listen to me try to tell them that either.
So...while it is possible the government is using the threat of an impact to run an exercise...that is not than unusual...and frankly...I am glad the government understands the risks. Too bad the author of the article has their tin foil hat on so tight it has stopped all blood flow to their brain.
Time will PROVE this to be the case.
so, I guess you dont know when people are making fun of something...