Thursday Rant

I was listening to my favorite radio program this morning and they were talking about terror threats. The host was trying to make a point about being prepared and perhaps circumventing an attack "before" it happens. Government officials have been quick to tell Americans to "keep their eyes open" and "report suspicious activity", that it is our responsibility to do so. He was making the point that as Americans we should "act" instead of "react".

Apparently someone in the Charleston area, home to the 5th largest port on the eastern seaboard, the Naval Weapons Station and an Air Force Base, has gone around town and photographed perceived vulnerabilities. They then put these photos in a notebook and gave them to said radio host. The things they discussed are jaw dropping. A caller also mentioned that apparently there is a terrorist boot camp in York County, SC. The caller said when she spoke to someone in our government about this, they replied it was not under their umbrella to investigate such things it would fall on SLED (our State Law Enforcement Division). Huh? So we have valid evidence of a terrorist boot camp right here in South Carolina and we are going to pass the buck? Shouldn't this be one of those things that we hear about AFTER they run them out or town or country? Why isn't this headline news? This is the type of thing I find quite frightening, it brings it home. It's no longer in another country, it is less than 3 hours from my house. In my state.

The other weaknesses they pointed out are enough to really frighten you. Of course, there were also several callers that were upset that this was being discussed on air. They said the host was putting too much information out there and making it too easy for terrorists. That he was "giving them ideas". I am so sorry there are such naive people in this world. As if these folks need a local radio host to give them ideas and suggestions on how to terrorize or attack our nation. This is what really surprised me and I guess the whole reason for this post.

There seemed to be more people upset that the radio host was discussing this than there were people who were upset nothing was being done about these issues. Why aren't people stark raving mad that there is a camp in our state training said terrorists? Why aren't people DEMANDING something be done to address these vulnerabilities? Why aren't we DOING something instead of complaining about a brave talk host starting the conversation?

Weather Excitement

So today is a meteorological dream, at least I think if I were a meteorologist it would be a dream. We have the makings of a major storm. It is all the talk all day today. I woke up this morning to a torrential, constant downpour. By the time I was out of the house and on the road it seemed to be letting up a bit. But the damage had been done, at least as far as the commute is concerned. And at least as far as the first of this system was concerned. The worst seems to just be getting here.


I live just outside of Charleston, SC. Beautiful city? No doubt. Great tourist destination? You bet. (In fact, if you are ever in the area and need a tour guide, I'm your girl!)  Anywhere I'd rather live? No way.  Except when it rains. Charleston was built over marshlands and it is sinking. You need to look no further than home plate at the "Joe", where our New York Yankee farm team, the Riverdogs play. It's sinking.


We have a major thoroughfare, the Crosstown, that takes you through downtown and into West Ashley or James Island. It floods at high tide. Can you begin to imagine what happens when high tide corresponds with any amount of rain? I believe there were no fewer than a dozen or so stranded, stalled out, cars this morning. For the life of me I cannot understand why, if you can't see the road, do folks insist on driving through the ponding?? I am sure the insurance companies, rental car companies and body shops love to see the rain, because inevitably several, if not dozens, of cars think they will make it through the flood. I won't even begin to discuss all the wrecks and traffic jams from the rain!


I guess I get a little excited when we have "weather events". I can remember my aunt having the Weather Channel on her television 24/7. She was always on top of what was going on and what *might* be getting ready to happen. My husband is no different. He will be out working a job and will call me to "see what the radar" looks like. I am usually a little perplexed at this as he works...outside. "Um..I believe if you look up, my darling, you can see what the weather is like??" This usually starts an argument so I just tell him the radar looks good. He is a weather fanatic. I have no doubt the weather channel or one of the local channels will be on our TV most of the evening. He will tell me to "make sure the walk in closet is clear" or, "are the heavy quilts in there to cover our heads with??" Seriously. This is where I get all my questions and debates about whether or not I should leave the house if severe weather is threatening!


You would think my husband was the one that had been in a tornado, but nope, that would be me. You would think he was the one that endured Hurricane Hugo. Again, nope, that would be me. He has, however, worked in hurricane and weather ravaged areas, so I suppose this may be where all his attentiveness comes from and I am very grateful he looks out for me.


Ok, I must stop blogging...I think I hear a weather alert going off in the other room..."yes dear, the closet is clear"...


*car image from The Post and Courier