Fellow West Wing aficianados will recall the rhetorical nightmare scenario in "Mr. Willis of Ohio", that later happened nearly verbatim at the end of "Commencement", three years later.
Bruce Schneier threw a challenge out some months ago to construct a post-9/11 variant of that drama. This is indeed a useful exercise in fleshing out what the threat model is that we need to guard against. Here's how the winning entry ends:
"Scene 14: Worst U.S. market crash in history. America's GNP drops from the top of the charts to 20th worldwide. Exports and imports cease on the West coast. Martial law fails to control mass exodus from Seattle, San Francisco, and L.A. as millions flee to the east. Gas shortages and vigilante mentality take their toll on the panicked populace. The West is 'wild' once more. The East is overrun with millions seeking homes and employment."Browse around the link, there's nearly 200 pages more where that came from. And remember, passenger security at airports is moderately tight. Ramp and cargo security? Bitch, please...
Congratulations, Tom. I'm still trying to figure out what you win.
