As viewers of The Matrix will recall, an EMP (electro-magnetic pulse) results from a nuclear explosion, and has the effect of briefly shutting down the electronics systems of our would-be robotic overlords. EMP was taken fairly seriously in the Cold War, because it posed a threat to US defense systems in the context of a general war between the US and the Soviet Union. Since the end of the Cold War it hasn't received much attention, because if a terrorist or rogue state decided to use a nuclear weapon on the United States, nobody could figure out why they would blow it up in the atmosphere rather than in one of our cities.
And then along came a couple of idiots scholars at the Heritage Foundation, who've come up with the bright idea of an "EMP Recognition Day," so that we'll all recognize the threat that EMP poses. On this day, Congress would close its cafeterias, walk to work, turn off its blackberries, and work in darkness. This would presumably increase EMP awareness. No, seriously; click the link.
There's comedy gold, here, but I'll leave the mining to others, and simply suggest that we set aside a day to recognize those brave souls who spend their days valiantly manufacturing implausible threats to the Republic. We can even turn the lights off and shut the cafeterias down in their honor. Via AG.
--Robert Farley
