[Travis McGee]

Ping.

[piasa]

I don't like the idea of giving these wingnuts ideas, but people need to be extremely observant, need to get out as much as possible and keep their eyes open, and have an idea of what they'll do if they do see something. Instead of the boob tube for entertainment, get out and drive or walk around the area. The more people with open eyes, the less likely an area is to look like a target. Not just for big-time criminals but for the run-of-the-mill vandal. It can even do good if someone is out there just being stupid, or if a lightning strike gets a fire going. A fire caught early is going to be easier to contain, so check out any smoke you see, however small it seems, and any vehicles you see coming from that direction.

Digital cameras are good to record oddball activity quickly and transfer the information quickly- no need to waste time getting images developed. Take a notepad around or recorder- some digital cameras even record sound, by the way- so you can take notes with them. Get to know your local fire department officials and police officers as well, local small business people too as in an emergency situation these folks are all tend to know what's going on at city hall, they tell eachother if suspicious people have been slinging bad checks or hanging around each other's businesses... and likewise local officials frequently rely on small business owners to round up help or organize volunteers because business people know who is reliable. It doesn't hurt to get involved with local organizations of all types, like Coast Guard Auxilaries, Civil Air Patrol, volunteer fire departments, farmer or rancher's associations- the backroom chat can be informative, and people already organized or familiar with one another are the ones best able to respond when needed. You'll also quickly learn who the local bullscat artists are.

[SJackson]

This is a plausible idea, low risk, easy to execute, high probability of escape.

What’s missing is the drama. High monetary damage (in a broad coordinated attack). Low loss of life. We see this on CNN every summer.

Accountability, low. We get away with it.

We take credit, GWB blames lightening. Who believes us?

We do damage (to the insurers), but who do we terrorize?