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"Every government interference in the economy consists of giving an unearned benefit, extorted by force, to some men at the expense of others."

Ayn Rand

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WHAT'S THAT OTHER BOOK I'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT?

By
Neal Boortz
@ April 8, 2009 9:13 AM Permalink | Comments (37) | TrackBacks (0)
Getting a lot of email inquiries about this one. The book begins with an EMP attack on America. That would be "electromagnetic pulse" weapon. Within minutes the entire electric grid across America is disabled. Anything with a computer chip or advanced electronics in it that was not protected is toast. A '65 Mustang will run. Any newer car will not. No communications ... nothing. The intriguing thing about this book is that these weapons exist, they can be procured by our enemies, and the scenario presented in this book could begin today. The book is One Second After by William Forschten. Why do I think this book is important now? Because the threats are still out there, and we have a president who I believe is showing unmistakable signs of weakness. We're vulnerable. This could well be the weapon of choice for someone out there who wants the end of America.

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What others are saying

  • Not Santa's helpers; the OTHER one.
    I'm referring to E L Fs. That is to say
    Extremely Low Frequencies. This method of disruption for communication and navigational devices has been in development for years and may now be pretty much perfected. Any knowledge or
    feedback about the aforementioned?
    By Turner Brown(a.k.a. turn around) @ 04/09/09 09:15:08 AMreport abuse
  • Responding to Max
    Max-

    Your comments are not irrational, I just want to point out that they are not well supported in science.

    For instance lightning spikes are actually much SLOWER spikes in voltage than EMP from the primary Compton effect EMP. The secondary, slower magneto-hydrodynamic EMP is more like lightning. The point is that the pulse is so fast that circuit breakers, surge protectors even a decent UPS for computers CAN'T trip fast enough, and besides, the voltage isn't just coming in from the electrical distribution lines, it is also induced INSIDE the devices. WRT the electrical grid, this is particularly true for the elements that control generation and distribution of electricity. These cannot be fixed in a few days. There wouldn't be enough spares, repairmen can't move, the repair cannot be coordinated because comms are down and so on.

    Regarding trains -- the locomotives are at risk of getting fried, but they may survive with just a momentary shutdown. The problem is that all the switches are dead, the control room can't communicate to route trains and freight, no one can get freight to the railyards, etc. You need to see this holistically as a threat to the system, not just a device.

    Living in the sticks means you'll likely be among the last to be repaired, last to receive food, etc. If you are self-sufficient for a year or more AND you can band together your neighbors in a decent defense from the barbarians that WILL find you, then you'll be OK. This is a dreadful scenario. We live in a 'just-in-time' world. This kind of event would set time way back and stop it.


    I encourage you to read the book, and also the following:

    http://www.onesecondafter.com/pb/wp_d10e87d9/wp_d10e87d9.html

    http://www.fas.org/spp/starwars/congress/1997_h/h970716s.htm

    the second link is the testimony/ “STATEMENT OF DR. GARY L. SMITH

    DIRECTOR, THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY

    ... in 1997 before the (yes, over a DECADE ago) Congressional Hearings on Special Weapons.

    Also:

    http://www.empcommission.org/docs/empc_exec_rpt.pdf

    and

    http://www.empcommission.org/docs/A2473-EMP_Commission-7MB.pdf

    Disturbing and Chilling.

    Ammo, food, medicine, booze, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products are the currencies of this bleak future
    By Greg in Suwanee @ 04/09/09 08:56:18 AMreport abuse
  • Right and wrong in the same breath
    While the effects of an EMP device will be a lot of induced current into the electrical grid, into your cars, etc... I'm of the opinion that it won't be that bad.

    That is to say, I'll probably live through it because I'm in the sticks. You folks in Atlanta? Maybe not so much.

    Here's the deal -- the power grid already takes lightening strikes and other induced spikes already. Every time a substation trips and cuts power to a suburb there's a spike in power going through the rest of the grid. Likewise, when thousands of volts hit a 440vac line via lightening portions of that spike are sheared off before it enters the transformer. Insulators are spaced precisely so they'll insulate against known voltage plus a few feet for safety of the linesmen. Get an over-spike and it shorts to the grounded wire.

    Likewise, electricity needs a path to follow to do damage. When a linesman attaches himself to a high-tension line he energizes his body to the same voltage as the line, just as a bird does. The only way he can get in trouble is to directly touch a grounded piece or get close enough the electricity can jump the air gap. So your car, insulated from ground by rubber tires, is going to have to take one heckuva induced voltage to get an electric arc from the frame to the earth. Chances are that electrical path isn't through the engine management computer.

    The real danger here is that home and car electronics are at 12 volts DC, so it doesn't take much of a spike to hit 50 volts and fry the thing. But if that voltage spike doesn't go through the computer to a ground and actually exit to earth, it doesn't really matter.

    No, the biggest risk isn't the electrical grid, which can be repaired in a matter of a few weeks at worst. The risk is if you're dependent upon the local Piggly Wigglie for your food. They operate with about enough stock for 2 days.

    Used to be the diesels transporting freight across this country would have been immune to EMP, but Carter-era fuel costs and lately emmissions standards have diesels with engine management computers too, at least in trucks. I don't know about trains, they may still operate.

    So, long story short, it will be bad. It won't decimate the country, but for people in cities who life day-to-day the next few days are going to be really hard.

    - Max
    By MaxDamage @ 04/09/09 01:35:23 AMreport abuse
  • I recall...
    that the terrorists who were barely able to fly those planes on 9-11 were generally the "best" Al Queda had. EMP? Really? How absurd. Terrorists have nowhere near the money or know-how to be a threat with such a device. And even if they DID, what are you going to do? Expand our military to several million men and try to scour the globe, or just nuke the middle east? Have fun with that.
    By BWM @ 04/08/09 08:10:31 PMreport abuse
  • SOLD OUT!
    Thanks Boortz, every bookstore in Kennesaw is now sold out of this book! Can I borrow yours?
    By Jason @ 04/08/09 06:19:57 PMreport abuse
  • emp
    there was a book put out in the early 80's (in response to Reagan "forcing us into war" with the soviets) called "War Day". the title was reference to dates -- everyone refered to time as pre and post "war day".

    Anyway the book outlined the scenario you are talking about here.
    By defcon5 @ 04/08/09 03:25:17 PMreport abuse
  • One Second After
    If you read only one book this year, make sure it is this one. ONE SECOND AFTER is horribly frightening, but--even more notable--it is more plausible than frightening. That alone should scare the hell out of everyone. Now, though, what do we do to eliminate the plausibility?
    By R. T. Davis @ 04/08/09 03:19:44 PMreport abuse
  • One Second After
    those of you laughing off this book and its possibilities need to read it and actual data regarding EMP's. this is HIGHLY plausible and possible. The book brings out a lot of scenarios and processes I've never thought of as being so dependent on electronics and how quickly masses will die and society will completey breakdown. READ THIS BOOK - and quietly prepare (you'll learn what I mean by quietly once you read it.)
    By Jerry Morgan @ 04/08/09 01:43:27 PMreport abuse
  • Deja Who?
    Whitley Streiber already wrote that book back in the 80's. It was creepy, mildly thought provoking but overall...yawn. The book even had a Ford Thunderbird with an old style ignition as the only vehicle that would run. It's an interesting premise, but it's been done before. No offense, anything is possible and even probable to some degree, but I think the next attack(s)will be local, nastier, deadlier, and maybe even initiated right here. I'm just a civilian with no law enforcement or military background. But I do watch what goes on right here at home and I think that's a bigger threat than anything North Korea , Iran, or any other whacked out 3rd rate dictatorship can muster, much less deliver. On a clear day..you can see black helicopters...
    By Chuck @ 04/08/09 01:11:43 PMreport abuse
  • EMP Without Nukes
    EMP without using a nuclear device is not technologically possible for now. Not the for now and thnk about it...
    By Dan @ 04/08/09 12:34:04 PMreport abuse
  • Another book on-line about EMP attack - Lights Out
    I just stumbled on this book a few weeks ago and I don't think it has ever been published but it is posted on-line (copyrighted by a David Crawford, posted under the handle "Halffast"). It's called "Lights Out" and it is a pretty good, quick read. His website is frugalsquirrels.com.

    It begins with an EMP attack on America and follows a community in South Texas in the aftermath.
    By Rich @ 04/08/09 12:26:35 PMreport abuse
  • Survival
    There is a reason I have a points ignition system and a carburetor in my '57 Chevy. Oh, and everyone of my personal defense tools has mechanical / chemical based operation - no electronics anywhere. I live in a place with an uphill approach (easy to defend). I have a spring fed well which provides fresh water without requiring power.

    Yeah, you may think I am nuts. However if (when?) the zombie apocalypse arrives, I will be ready to deal with it.
    By Martrin McFly @ 04/08/09 11:53:42 AMreport abuse
  • EMP 65 Mustang, 68 pickup truck
    Ok, your car will run. But the gas pumps won't work, so you better make your first ride an important one.
    By Peter @ 04/08/09 11:53:27 AMreport abuse
  • protect your assets
    I have a copper mesh-covered box (Faraday cage) for my PS3 - I'm ready.
    By shuttin down @ 04/08/09 11:46:05 AMreport abuse
  • Other sources
    Two things:
    Other sources:
    POWERFUL SOLAR STORM COULD SHUT DOWN U.S. FOR MONTHS
    http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,478024,00.html

    CYBERSPIES PENETRATE U.S. ELECTRICAL GRID, LEAVE SOFTWARE THAT COULD DISRUPT SYSTEM
    http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,513121,00.html

    One natural, one not even requiring an EMP.

    Other sources:

    1632 by Eric Flint and Island in the Sea of Time by S. M. Stirling cover this from an angle of "modern" people being thrust into "primitive" times.

    Dies the Fire by S. M. Stirling and Last light by Terri Blackstock cover this from a modern persepctive.
    By Ron @ 04/08/09 11:45:02 AMreport abuse
  • EMP Attack
    Read the book. Then read the EMP reports to congress and my old training manuals. I haven't had those nightmares in a long time.
    In the military "we" use to train for this kind of attack. The war games always showed that our civilized society was only three days from collapse. Plus, it only takes a 1 to 2 megaton device detonated at an altitude of about 200-250 miles to create an EMP plus to create the scenario like the book.
    Could it happen? Look at Russia and China helping N.Korea and Iran with their missile and nuke technology. I hope it does not happen, but I would not be surprised if it did. It would really clean the gene pool.
    By Fitz @ 04/08/09 11:41:32 AMreport abuse
  • Another book that has this as a scenario
    Washington D.C. is attacked by this method in the book by Stephen Coonts - America
    By Jeff @ 04/08/09 11:39:31 AMreport abuse
  • EMP neutral devices
    Go with hollow state electronics (vacuum tubes). They'll survive. While the world lays in darkness, my 1955 model propane-powered Onan generator (no circuit boards or voltage regulators whatsoever) will be powering my all-tube guitar amp and all-tube ham radio no problem. :P
    By Jared @ 04/08/09 11:22:04 AMreport abuse
  • EMP Attack
    Hmmmm...there was a TV show starring Jessica Alba called Dark Angle a few years back...this book sounds a lot like a rip off of that show, the premise is the same.
    By ZebCarter @ 04/08/09 10:49:11 AMreport abuse
  • EMPs? Puh-lease
    Didn't anyone watch GoldenEye? At the end of the day, the world's financial markets are saved from a satellite-generating EMP by a grenade disguised as a fountain-pen that arms itself when you "click" it.

    Unless such a satellite is developed, all EMP-generating weapons would still be geographically limited. At least markets and large datacenters have "geographically distributed redundant" systems (usually in case of natural disasters like floods and earthquakes).
    By Otheus @ 04/08/09 10:48:36 AMreport abuse
  • EMP Attack
    Neal, please tell us more about how to protect our equipment from an EMP attack. Love your show.
    By Robert @ 04/08/09 10:26:28 AMreport abuse
  • EMP
    Neal, please tell us more about how to protect our equipment from an EMP attack. My porn collection is at stake! (Just kidding.)
    By Robert @ 04/08/09 10:22:45 AMreport abuse
  • We don't need to worry...
    ..it appears terrorists do not have the technology (yet) to launch an EMP. HOWEVER, if Obama the puppet keeps laying down for the N. Koreans and Chinese....it could happen. For example, when China does finally decide to re-take Taiwan by force, look for EMP's to hit the W. Coast.
    By $mooth Operator @ 04/08/09 10:17:32 AMreport abuse
  • Let’s do a little math shall we,
    North Korea (or pick your poison) + short range missile + EMP + cargo Ship + U.S. coastline = 7 minutes to power failure.
    You really think a country would launch an EMP device from their country? It would be done off our coast, either from a ship that would be sunk in deep waters after the shot, or from a sub. The reason for this is because our enemies know that retaliations would take a long time because there it would take a while to find out who did it, and the liberals still won’t believe said country is to blame, which would drag down our response time. (The democrats “Kumbaya” missile is still in development, it will attack our enemies with appeasement, rainbows, and butterflies)
    By Terry G @ 04/08/09 10:16:53 AMreport abuse
  • EMP attack on America
    Some people are not prepared for any kind of attack. These people think someone is going take care of them in the aftermath ... not going to happen.
    2001 to 2008 no successful attacks on our soil.
    Now we have a bunch of wimps in charge.
    By Laughing @ 04/08/09 10:14:09 AMreport abuse
  • Not mis-information, really
    Responding to Nuclear Wpns Engineer --
    The book does not tell a story of destruction on the ground, but rather the physical effects/damage on comms, solid state electronics, power grids and social infrastructure; and the cultural/societal outcomes of that damage.

    I encourage you to read the testimony of Dr. Gary Smith, Director of Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

    http://www.fas.org/spp/starwars/congress/1997_h/h970716s.htm

    I agree the technologies to produce EMP require specialized skills and components; but we live in a world where money talks, and terrorists (and other nations) have the bucks, the motive, the means and the opportunity.

    The book refers to specially engineered nukes which produce deliberately high levels of gamma radiation to drive both the Compton effect and the somewhat slower EMP. I think you'll find it credible.

    Also the book hints that rogue terrorists may NOT be the ones who inflicted the damage.

    I encourage you to read the book.
    By Greg in Suwanee @ 04/08/09 10:11:47 AMreport abuse
  • re:Jeffery/ emp without nukes
    An emp can be generated without a nuclear detonation but it takes a lot of power to match the sudden pulse release of a nuke. It can be done,how do you think "hardened electronics" systems for the military are developed and tested.(hint: they don't use a nuke to test them)Nukes are smaller,more effective and portable(they don't need the grid)
    By damifino @ 04/08/09 10:07:10 AMreport abuse
  • Chilling book - understand the aftermath
    I read the book. I can't think of a book as chilling and frightening and emotionally engaging as this one. It's like Tom Clancy only more realistic.

    If you are a dad, you will become "John" in the book. I encourage you to read the book. It's technical and cultural accuracy and authenticity are astounding, gripping and convicting.

    Lord of the Flies meets Alas Babylon.

    Read the following:

    http://www.onesecondafter.com/pb/wp_d10e87d9/wp_d10e87d9.html

    http://www.empcommission.org/docs/A2473-EMP_Commission-7MB.pdf

    http://www.empcommission.org/docs/empc_exec_rpt.pdf

    By the way, these reports came out the same day as the 9-11 Commission reports. You know therefore what happened to them.
    By Greg in Suwanee @ 04/08/09 09:59:35 AMreport abuse
  • 65 Mustang
    Hey, my 68 Chevy pickup will also run. I'd probably be better off driving it every day anyway.
    By Tommy Young @ 04/08/09 09:58:35 AMreport abuse
  • Great Story!
    While I think Neal is a chauvinistic swine, I do often like his reading choices and this one I loved. Bought it from Amazon the day he promoted it and devoured it upon arrival.
    Really well written, excellent story and if you're a parent, father especially, you'll ball your eyes out. In fact, if you don't cry at least once in this book, then you should look to be sure your tin foil hat didn't slip and encase your heart!
    Really great reading there.
    By ChristyACB @ 04/08/09 09:57:07 AMreport abuse
  • Deja Vu All Over Again
    Reminds me of Clancy's "Sum of All Fears."

    Same concept.
    By b mac @ 04/08/09 09:57:03 AMreport abuse
  • EMP
    ok...lots OF misinformation about EMP. Nuke det high enough to create emp won't destroy anything on the ground. Yes emp can be created by electronic devices but nuke is by far the BEST way. They type of emp enhanced wpns talked about are probably too sophisticated for any terrorist or fledling nuke power. if you have more questions write me troyu@hotmail.com
    By Nuclear Wpns Enginner @ 04/08/09 09:52:21 AMreport abuse
  • NEAL IS WRONG
    Why Neal, I am surprised at you! How could you even think of suggesting that a weapon like this would be used on this country? Why President Obama has Europe and the Middle East just eating out of his hands. Now that he is President we are beloved by the world and need not worry about such things. Your just trying to cause panic again.

    Libs would never do such a thing. They only raise concerns.

    OK! So I'm being a smarta**, I'm just waiting to hear all the excuses when some thing like this does happen!

    AND IT KEEPS GETTING FUNNIER!
    By D.D. @ 04/08/09 09:48:18 AMreport abuse
  • If you think it can't happen....
    ....better think again....

    Read Tom Clancy's "Debt of Honor" where a jumbo jet loaded with fuel crashes into the US Capitol building during a joint session of Congress. This was years before 11 SEP 2001.....
    By AAnderson @ 04/08/09 09:37:41 AMreport abuse
  • Interesting book
    The book proposes a worst case scenario for what terrorists could do to our country. It sure points out how ill prepared we are for such an attack. Read it and start making preps for that day.
    By Gayle Cichocki @ 04/08/09 09:29:24 AMreport abuse
  • EMP
    Can you have an EMP without a nuclear explosion? Is it possible for a group to bring in a device that would destroy all electronics for New York City without also killing the population or destroying the buildings?
    By Jeffrey @ 04/08/09 09:28:28 AMreport abuse
  • One Second After
    Think of the aftermath of Katrina, substituting New Orleans for any city in the US and you have a glimpse of the future.
    By NCchik @ 04/08/09 09:22:29 AMreport abuse
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