WHY INAUGURATION DAY IS DANGEROUS. Unprepared

The New Republic ^ | Januray 17, 2005 | Norman Ornstein

[Tarl3.16]

someone better keep an eye on this guy come inauguration day. especially if he's carrying a briefcase

[SubMareener]

It is the radioactive daughters of the fission process that cause the problems after the bomb goes off. Strontium 90 and Iodine 136(give or take a fee neutrons) are big problems.

[Paleo Conservative]

That could conceivably be done by a handful of representatives--if even three survived, two could make a quorum, choose a speaker and, thus, a president. But, if there is no way of determining for some time whether other members of Congress are still alive, the tiny quorum would be potentially unconstitutional. And who would serve as president in the meantime?

Technically, the Speaker of the House does not have to be a member of the House. This could be important if all the surviving members were injured or sick with radiation sickness.

[Paleo Conservative]

I liked Clancy's solution', have Cheney hang out in the tunnel until the president is sworn in, then he can come up and get sworn in while the President is leaving in the tunnel. Actually, I believe the team has contingency plans in place, they just don't publish them all. I agree that during the time of transition we have a heightened vulnerability, (including all those FReepers at the ball). So take steps George.

Actually the Vice President takes the oath of office first.

[thegreatbeast]

Fearing a terrorist attack, the Secret Service had ordered the closure of 40 miles of roads around the FleetCenter, where the convention was held, and 3,000 police were on duty to guard the site.

Barbrastreisand! The Secret Service doesn't have that kind of power. The fact is, the mayor of Boston, Tom Menino, was a wimp and gave in to every suggestion that anyone had. You did not see Bloomberg let the same thing happen in NY.

[RaceBannon]

A stopped clock is right twice a day.

[Jim Noble]

First, we need to be sure we can quickly reconstitute a representative and a functional Congress to prevent the specter of months of martial law and to make sure that a democratic body can resolve disputes over power or legitimacy that might be triggered by the disaster. To do so requires a constitutional amendment to provide for emergency interim appointments to the House in the event that a catastrophe kills many of its members

We can reelect the House in 30 days.

Not with members who are career politicians and under the influence of lobbyists-but we can do it.

[Quix]

I essentially agree strongly.

[Quix]

After the chaos of this last election,

you REALLY think it wouldn't be that chaotic amidst events several times worse than 911???

Sorry, but what planet are you from? Where did you study human nature?

[Quix]

Sounds good to me.

What about the governors from the party of the killed President?

Though in trying times, it might be best to open it widely and presumeably select the best person for the job.

[Quix]

tooooooooooooo horribly possible, imho.

Though I hope congresscritters are searched extensively.

and, personally with Boxerface, Scuba Teddy and Shrillery . . . they could . . . take a very long time searching them. . . or interrogating them . . . or perhaps losing them somehow.

[Caipirabob]

Prayers for our nation...for our President.

Be confident, be at peace, be well armed and ready.

[SheLion]

Consider this: we have already read reports of 'depressed' Democrats who have committed suicide due to the re-election of President Bush, how much further into mental illness does one have to sink to choose homicide instead of suicide?

Also, a help-line and clinics were set up for the DemocRATS that could not deal with the outcome of the Election.  Lots of kooks out there.  Can't trust any of them.