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Crisis Manager Internet Newsletter about Crisis Management

02.07.03
ISSN:1528-3836
© 2003 Jonathan Bernstein
Circulation: 3,100+

SPECIAL EDITION

AMERICA ON THE BRINK OF WAR
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?

Editor's Note: I felt compelled to issue this special edition today, versus building it into next week's regular issue, in the hopes of giving subscribers at least a little time to act versus react. Reports to the U.N., activities overseas and the increased threat level led me to believe that we might not have another week before we attack -- or get attacked. The need to prepare remains, regardless of timing.

For the first time since the mostly unsuccessful Japanese attempts to hit the U.S. mainland in World War II, America and its closest allies are faced with an enemy who has demonstrated the capability to attack us on our own soil and wherever we go overseas. If Lantana, Florida can be the site of an anthrax attack, if tourists visiting a tropical paradise resort can get blown up, if U.S. missionaries can be slaughtered in multiple countries, then there is no safe or neutral ground.

There also appears to some connection between Iraq and Al-Queda -- and the likelihood, as announced today, of increased terrorist activity as we move closer to attacking Iraq.

There is no industry, no locale, that is immune from the potential impacts of war and terrorism, to include:

  • Business interruption (due to distraction caused by national events or direct action against your place of business, against others in your industry, or the town in which you live).
  • Loss or meaningful absence by key personnel (not only deaths, but delays in travel, overseas, military duty)
  • Loss of loved ones and friends, affecting productivity
  • Interruption of product/service delivery (e.g., overnight delivery services after 9/11)
  • Loss of key service provider (your computer network, phone system electrical provider)
  • Loss of critical infrastructure (this nation's leaders have noted that energy, finance, transportation and telecommunications industry companies are prime targets)

IF YOUR ORGANIZATION HAS NOT YET HAD A "HOW WILL WAR AFFECT US?" BRAINSTORMING SESSION, NOW IS THE TIME TO DO IT!

Heads MUST come out of the sand, because the "or else" for such events is too dire. "It won't happen to us" is delusion, denial -- and arrogance -- that can cause grave harm if adequate planning and preparation are not done in advance.

Jonathan Bernstein
Editor/Publisher, "Crisis Manager"
President & CEO
Bernstein Crisis Management, Inc.
Crisis Prevention, Response & Issues Management
http://www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com

Articles in "Crisis Manager" were, unless otherwise noted, written and copyrighted by Jonathan Bernstein. Permission to reprint will often be granted for no charge. Write to jonathan@bernsteincrisismanagement.com.