[EAS] Is the Doctor right or not?

[askenyon at cox.net]

Before we collectively criticize Dr. Mustoe I suggest that you check out a
previous RW article he authored in 2008:

http://www.radioworld.com/article/commentary-reconsidering-minot-and-eas/166
78

Following publication of that article I contacted Dr. Mustoe who was kind
enough to share a link to an extensive research paper he authored which
started with the Minot 15 October incident as a baseline and included
systematic inquiries of similar train derailment events in Madcona, Texas on
28 June; Graniteville, SC on 6 January and Texarkana, TX on 15 October 2005.
Interestingly his research into Minot cut through the popular myth that
condemned "big radio" as the reason EAS was not activated early into the
incident.

Although he likened the legacy EAS architecture to "a brand new Lexus built
on a model T frame" during our correspondence in early 2008 he also stated
that "I still believe that radio....is the most appropriate and ubiquitous
means of delivering emergency messages."

Dr. Mustoe is associated with Eastern Oregon University Geography.
Considering that neither of the two PEP Expansion stations in Oregon (which
are currently in the design and permitting stage) were operational at the
time of the National Test it is not surprising that an independent observer
in Oregon might declare the test a failure.

The inaccuracies for which Richard castigates Dr. Mustoe are minor and his
lack of understanding of the PEP mission and the why and wherefore of the
use of EAS at the national level are common, even among some of those who
are regular contributors to this privately run list server.  We need to
understand and pay attention to well-reasoned criticisms of EAS and address
those shortcomings that may be raised either through action or better
education.  Attacking an author who cares enough to share well-reasoned
personal observations is not the highest use of this resource.

Al