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From: amra@ihuxj.UUCP (Steven L. Aldrich)
Newsgroups: net.politics,net.flame
Subject: What Would Happen If They Pulled The Plug??  (NON-Flame)
Message-ID: <418@ihuxj.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 28-Feb-84 20:59:25 EST
Article-I.D.: ihuxj.418
Posted: Tue Feb 28 20:59:25 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 2-Mar-84 05:31:11 EST
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 41


       I had a thought the other day and would would like to see if
      it has any validity and/or application in the real world.

        WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO WIN A WAR BY DISABLING THE OPPOSING
          SIDES CAPACITY TO GENERATE AND UTILIZE ELECTRICITY?

       The idea centers around the EMP effect on electrical circuits
      and related devices. From what I've read there appears to be a
      significant threat to both the U.S./U.S.S.R from EMP. Since this
      would in effect wipe out most power supplies, radio stations,
      tele-communications, etc. would it not be sufficent to WIN a war
      by utilizing this effect. If a country could knock out the opposing
      sides electrical systems would this not effectively cripple their
      countries ability to strike back.

       Have you ever stopped to realize that much of our current society
      is built upon, and supported by, the use of electric power. Imagine
      the effect upon our modern socio-economic groups if the plug were
      pulled without warning. What would the short/long term effect be if
      our capacity to generate electricity were disrupted for even a few
      weeks. What would the problems be if the interuption of power were
      to last for months or years. Would our modern societies be able to
      cope with this or would things degenerate to a point of near
      chaos??

       As an example, remember the last power outage in New York city a few
      years back. I'm referring to the Major Black-out in the late 70's or
      early 80's. What if the power were to go out 10 minutes from now and
      not return for several weeks?

       I'm no expert on these matters, so if I've made any errors please let
      me know. I am looking forward to hearing from you on this issue.

      THANKS IN ADVANCE to all those who send their replies/views/opinions.

                             PEACE & BEST WISHES
                          From the ever curious mind of:
                          Steve Aldrich (ihnp4!ihuxj!amra)

                    "Ya, we're playing those mind games forever..."
                                                       John Lennon