And how do they propose dealing with shovels, hatchets and publically available fiber maps? Refer to my crusty, old
cyberwar essay if you don't get that last reference:
The CIA is conducting a secretive war game, dubbed "Silent Horizon," this week to practice defending against an electronic assault on the same scale as the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks.
The three-day exercise, ending Thursday, was meant to test the ability of government and industry to respond to escalating Internet disruptions over many months, according to participants. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the CIA asked them not to disclose details of the sensitive exercise taking place in Charlottesville, Va., about two hours southwest of Washington.
The simulated attacks were carried out five years in the future by a fictional alliance of anti-American organizations, including anti-globalization hackers. The most serious damage was expected to be inflicted in the war game's closing hours.
posted by Kevin at 12:42 AM
Each time I cross into Mexico (via Tijuana), three thoughts come to mind:
1) It's absolutely incredible that such crushing poverty exists so close to the U.S. (And, no, I've never been to Detroit or Appalachia.)
2) I can't believe that, after seeing the squalor just south of the border, I'm able to somehow put it out of my mind and go about my life... As if "that" isn't happening right next door.
3) Compared with parts of Africa and Asia, Tijuana looks like a 5-Star resort.
Other random observations:
Despite all the hardship, the Mexican people are very innovative, hard working and have a great sense of humor.
I spent a couple of hours gazing at the ocean near Puerto Nuevo. I watched the lobstermen launch their boats from the beach (in heavy surf) and row several hundred yards offshore to check their traps. I was in awe. That's not easy work. But maybe those guys will have the last laugh as supplies of hydrocarbon based fuels begin to decrease. No fuel or oil to buy. No motors to break. Muy bien.
There is a definite element of "anything goes" when it comes to building construction down there. Lots of people are living in structures that are made out of industrial refuse, old vehicles, billboards, etc. Despite all of the scarcity in Mexico, there is no shortage of labor and dirt. For very little money, people could be trained in flexform earthbag construction techniques. Comfortable, clean and functional dwellings could be built for a couple of hundred dollars.
I noticed that many people have placed black water tanks on their rooftops to heat water for use in their homes. What a concept. Compare that technique to the way it's almost exclusively done a few miles to the north, across The Fence. In each house, non renewable natural gas is burned, around the clock, to keep 80 to 100 gallons (or more) of water at a constant temperature of 140 degrees. Try to think of a bigger waste of energy. It's tough.
What's the story with the Mexican Army deployments along the old coastal highway near Rosarito? The last few times I've been down there, I've seen the Mexican Army out in force around there. And no, these aren't cops. These soldiers are dressed in military fatigues and boots. They are armed with heavily worn HK G3 battle rifles. (Those weapons are older than the soldiers carrying them.) On the way back up from Puerto Nuevo, one of the new toll plazas on the highway was manned by one of these Mexican Army units. They just waved us through, but there were about ten guys standing around with loaded G3s.
posted by Kevin at 12:15 AM