The President has stated his concern that America is vulnerable to foreign cyberattacks aimed at taking down the power infrastructure. While this is a very valid threat to national security, it also points out how vulnerable we are to a disruption of the utilities we have become dependent on by our own government.
We are all on the grid. Let's think for just a moment about the ramifications. We have all experienced power outages during storms. In an instant the first thing you notice is the silence. The TV goes off, window fans, air conditioners, refrigerators all stop humming. The next thing you notice is the isolation. All communication ceases. Access to news is shut down. Landline telephones stop working.
In a prolonged outage, food becomes scarce. Without refrigeration, perishables spoil quickly. Modern stoves won't ignite so nothing can be cooked. Gas pumps don't work, so travel becomes impossible. Water pumping and filtration systems break down. People are reduced to drinking from the toilet tank.
In the event of popular dissent, the government has protocols in place for creating just such a scenario. In addition to cutting the electric umbilical cord, cell phone and internet access would be taken down. Martial law would be declared. The National Guard would be mobilized with shoot to kill orders for looters, protesters, and curfew violators.
According to provisions of the Patriot Act, any preparatory actions on your part would label you as an enemy combatant. It is illegal to “stockpile” more than one week's worth of foodstuffs, including bottled water on your premises. It is illegal (as well as dangerous) to store gasoline. Retailers must retain records of generator sales. Votive candles would be classified as weapons of mass destruction. (Okay, I made that one up.)
Power over other people is like a drug, and our current government is intoxicated with it. Power is like a drug for us because we are addicted to it. And withdrawal is a bitch.
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