Government seeks sci-fi antiterrorism insight

In effort to broaden its thinking about terrorist attacks, the Department of Homeland Security is tapping into the thinking of a group of science fiction authors called Sigma, according to USA Today.

"We need to look everywhere for ideas, and science fiction writers clearly inform the debate," said department spokesman Christopher Kelly.

Science fiction authors are often prone to flights of extreme fancy, but they can be good prognosticators. Indeed, in the novel Footfall, by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, the government assembles a group of science fiction writers to seek their counsel about an alien invasion. Pournelle and Niven are in the group.

According to USA Today, author Greg Bear said the group brainstorms about methods of attack and prevention as well as the governmental and social responses to attacks.

Sigma's motto is "science fiction in the national interest," and authors must have a doctorate in a technical field to join.

[geekmasterotu]

Sci Fi for HomeSec

FINALLY!! Finally some original intelligent thougth on home sec!! What DHS needs is less John Wayne attitude and more Jean Luc (Picard) sense! Now maybe some real security and the ability to keep one's shoes on and drink a soda instead of silly barefoot so-called security~