Our society is not prepared to live without electricity
Thank you Mr. Alex Sokolow, for your Nov. 1 letter in the PVT, bringing attention to EMPs (electromagnetic pulses). I certainly am not an expert, but with some research and inquiries with some electrical engineers, it was easily understood.
First, we must think about how long we could live without electricity. Unlike our grandparents or great-grandparents, most of us would be gone in the first 60 days easily. No electricity means no clean water, no food distribution, no fuel, even if you happen to have one of the few vehicles that run, no communications, no emergency responders, entire societal breakdown, “survival of the fittest”, with many criminal gangs being on top of the food chain, at least for a short while, before succumbing to lack of basic necessities like food and water.
How could all this possibly happen? It’s not as difficult as it may seem, with the help of having a nuclear capability and a delivery system.
Detonating a nuclear device, at strategic geographical points, would fry most of our nation’s main power grids. Not only devices and wiring but the gigantic transformers, which are not made here and are not built until ordered, with a usual six to 12-month wait for delivery.
I’m sure many of the powerful, both public and private, have a level of plans and safeties for themselves and their families, at least for a limited time, but I don’t doubt 90 percent of the people would perish within six months.
The sad part is, to my understanding, this threat could be easily neutralized fairly inexpensively, ($20 to $30 billion, which today is a rounding error in D.C.) with proper Faraday cages and breakers. A Faraday cage is like a lightning rod, which would direct the EMP harmlessly to ground.
Maybe this would be a waste of more money but then again so is fire insurance if you never have a fire.
David Jaronik
A veteran thanks Denny’s and the community
I would like to thank the employees and owners of Denny’s for providing a free breakfast to all U.S. veterans. It was a surprise to me to see a business provide a free breakfast to those who have sacrificed and served our nation. Denny’s was packed this Veterans Day morning and it was a sight to see. I was seated at the counter next to a couple who both served our nation. The husband served tours in the Korean and Vietnam wars. His wife was a nurse for the Navy. They were both very pleased that a local business was recognizing them for their service.
I would also like to thank Pahrump Valley High School for recognizing and honoring our U.S. Veterans. On Thursday evening the high school ROTC, band, and choir held a concert in honor of Veterans Day. The students did a wonderful job performing patriotic songs. The highlight was performing “Goodnight Saigon” by Billy Joel.
Oftentimes the residents and nonresidents of Pahrump are critical of this community. Every community has its faults and it is easy to focus on the negative. However, the events which I have listed above make me proud of my community.
Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Dylan Moellendorf
Pahrump could be a very nice town with some cleanup
Is the city of Pahrump going to clean up the trash? The bad part about it is the dump is free. So many dumpy yards! It could be a very nice place if something was done about it.
People need to take more pride in their yards. Code compliance doesn’t seem to care unless they get complaints.
I like it here but it can become a lot better with everyone’s help. Let’s get it cleaned up, and have a nice city.
Ralphel Vaccaro