...Make a series of loud bangity sounds. No, don't -- in a time when media coverage magnifies the per-capita incidence of terror attacks, among populations who can't tell a rifle shot from a popped paper bag, all it takes is the perception of danger and LAX grinds to a halt.
Something similar happened earlier this month at JFK airport, too. H'mm, both in regions where lawful possession of firearms is discouraged by law, who'd'a thunk?
Imagine the harm a prankster with boombox could do in such areas. Or even no boombox, just a burner celphone and the number for airport security: "I heard shots!" You can be sure they're thinking of it -- for multiple definitions of "they."
After WW II, SF writer Eric Frank Russell wrote a novel called Wasp. The title is from a newspaper report of a multiple-fatality one-car accident caused by a wasp inside the vehicle. The novel is based on WW II covert action using a similar "small cause -- huge harm" approach. Sometimes I wonder who else read it -- and made notes.
If you like British police drama, watch "Collision", a Masterpiece contemporary/PBS movie along this line. Not the airport, but the car collision.
ReplyDeleteI read a sci - fi novel with the same theme many years ago, but sadly don't recall the title.
ReplyDeleteMerle
Merle, it may have been "Wasp."
ReplyDeleteThat was a great novel. I think I've read all his work, he was a great author.
ReplyDeleteJust think of the havoc Michael Winslow could wreak.
ReplyDeleteBut he did such a nice history of the typewriter.
ReplyDelete