Thanks, Wolfgang, for your thoughtful words. I also share your concerns for other "invulnerable" targets such as the N-power plants and radioactive waste dumps. If terrorists really feel they have "nothing to lose" there is no reason why these sites would be targeted. Their only security is that they are somewhat harder to find than major landmarks. I certainly feel no confidence in the assurances from experts that such sites would survive terrorist attacks, and once the containment (where it exists at all) is breached, the burning nuclear fuel would be as deadly as that of Chernoble.

Things have already changed here in the states, reaching down to even our small fishing villages in Maine where the lobsterboats have been "locked-down" by federal authorities. River access to the Bath Iron Works, a nearby shipyard which builds guided missle destroyers and crusisers, has also been restricted. I wonder when we'll be combing our attics for those old black-out curtains? Well, it's back to re-siding the summer cottage...