[ChemistCat]

If the power goes out, it's uncomfortable, but it's almost never an *emergency* unless you're so unprepared, you probably can't be trusted to tie your shoes without government assistance. When signals aren't working, there are traffic rules all licensed drivers are supposed to know.

Even business should be prepared to cope without power now and again. Earthquakes, tornadoes, fire, blizzards, and hurricanes can disrupt business. Preparedness isn't just for the home front.

And: why should a population trusted with the vote need a curfew? All we really need is the Second Amendment.

[mvpel]

I think I may have gotten my east coast liberal mom-in-law thinking this evening - when the reports came in about people stepping up to direct traffic, I commented, "that's the United States Militia in action, right there."

[navydad]

All we really need is the Second Amendment.

Agreed. But hasn't it been illegal for ordinary citizens in NYC to own guns for some time now?

Which means, after dark, the criminals rule.

[Don W]

What about the elderly, or handicapped who live in high rise buildings? The pumps that supply the water to upper stories (those above the 6th or so floor) won't run without power, so these folks can't even run the tap for a glass of water, let alone a cool bath.

That sounds pretty serious to me.