Shallow Cogitations

A month ago the Bossier Sheriff office sent out a news release announcing ... a new emergency operations plan that will be a continuation of public safety in Bossier Parish should disaster ever strike here at home.

...

Within Exodus, local resources such as food, water, oil, gas, and medical facilities will be protected by teams consisting of highly-trained volunteers and BSO deputies. The plan also has use for church facilities and people with all sorts of backgrounds and talents.

As evidenced by recent terror threats, it is apparent that homegrown terrorists are in our midst. With the easy accessibility of the internet, it is quite possible that these local and international terrorists can form a national or multiple location attack on our nation at any given moment. And no matter whether we are a direct target or not, fear and panic will still permeate our community. Control will have to be regained to ensure the safety of our residents. That is where Operation Exodus comes into play. It utilizes preventive measures to safeguard Bossier Parish from the fear and outcry that will inevitably transpire.

If you look at the map you'll see that Bossier Parish, population 110,000, has Barksdale Air Force Base and the western edge of the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant. No doubt the Air Force and Army will welcome these volunteers organized to protect food, water, oil, gas and medical facilities. And there are the cities of Bossier City, Eastwood and Plain Dealing along with plenty of small towns in between. All of them apparently high value terrorist targets that warrant organizing the populace to protect itself...from itself.

You can watch a video report of the training held last week if you like.

As to who could be a volunteer, the sheriff was rather selective. From the Shreveport Times.

Deen's office contacted more than 300 parish residents it thought would be useful during a similar emergency. Two hundred were chosen. Most of these people are ex-police officers and sheriff's office deputies that the sheriff's office was familiar with, Deen said.

...

These volunteers will be armed by the sheriff's office, using, among other things, shotguns, riot shields and batons. The members are mostly white men. Five are black. Women involved will only be used in "support roles," Deen said, which indicated non-combat activity.

That's right ladies, you just keep the sandwiches and sweet tea coming.

The best line from the news release:

And no matter whether we are a direct target or not, fear and panic will still permeate our community.

Bossier Sheriff Larry Deen is making sure of that. Nevermind that the crime rate has continued to drop for the last three years.