DAY THIRTY SEVEN:Oct. 17:
The bad guys won today: Congress was shut down.
Anthrax.
Six weeks ago fewer than one out of every 1,000 Americans probably knew what anthrax was, or cared. Now it is a word of terror, classically evoking science fiction horror with that "x" at its end. That consonant pops outof the back of your throat like a gasp.
The day was devoted to trying to figure out what the government actually knew about the various -- or identical -- anthrax strain(s) involved in all of these incidents, and from whence they might have come. Yesterday authorities claimed the strain found in Daschle's office was "weapons grade powder"; today they backed off, saying it seemed to be a highly refined version of a garden variety American strain. But is it the same strain as was found in NBC? In Boca Raton? In ABC? Which is to ask, "Are we dealing with one perpetrator or group? Two? A plethora of copy cats?"
The nation is fortunate, indeed, that none of the strains have proven antibiotic resistant. No one need die in these attacks, so long as the method of delivery remains so overt. Now that everybody knows to be alert to their mail, few Americans are likely to be infected in that manner. And, if they are exposed, rapid diagnosis and teatment is probable. But what if the asssailants change their mode of attack? Or their germ of choice?
Though it was a beautiful, crisp, blustery day today in New York, the mood in the city remained decidedly tense. Few people are eating out for lunch these days, or strolling about. Times are tense. And downtown Ground Zero continues to burn, and reek, a constant reminder of threat and sadness.
For the last two weeks my mail each evening has weighed me down, packed as it is with Christmas catalogues. I find them unbearable. Glancing at the trees, cheery lights, cosy fireplaces and excess red velvet is deeply upsetting. Usually by this time in New York the city is festooned with Halloween frufraw, and Christmas promotions are soon to begin. Diligent Xmas shoppers are already deployed to the department stores, searching for early season bargains. And there is an excitement in the air, anticipating the joy to come.
Now it's hard to even write the word "joy" without a deep sense of irony.
Today Salon.com ran a long interview with me:
http://www.salon.com/books/int/2001/10/17/garrett/index.html
As a result, I was deluged with media calls, and taped a bit for "Nightline". It is perhaps indicative of how contradictory and confusing information federal seems to be that the media are resorting to interviewing the media.
As I write, however, the Yankees are beating the Mariners in the first of their playoff games, so all is not wrong with the world.
Be well. Be safe. Stand defiant.
Laurie Garrett
