Lynn and Doug will lead a discussion based on the 2009 NYT best-selling fact-based novel, “One Second After” by William Forstchen.

In “One Second After,” Forstchen walks us through a well-researched and highly probable depiction of the after-effects here in the United States of a terrorist attack using electromagnetic pulse weapons. It is a story in which one man struggles to save his family and his small North Carolina town after America loses a war in one second, a war that will send America back to the Dark Ages, a war using an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP). This is a weapon that is assuredly already in the hands of enemies who would like to see the end of the United States of America.

A congressional committee first released a report on the Threat of EMP in 2004 that should have served as a wake-up call to the nation, but was largely ignored by the media and the general public. A knowledgeable scientist lamented that such an attack too easily sounded like science fiction, and as a result, lacked a public constituency to demand a more robust defensive preparedness policy. 

Forstchen wrote the book at the behest of several members of Congress and used the 2004 & 2008 Congressional Studies on the Threat of EMP as the technical foundation for what became three books on the subject. Months before publication, “One Second After” was already being cited on the floor of Congress as a book all Americans should read, a book already being discussed in the corridors of the Pentagon.  Six years later, Forstchen wrote that much had changed but frustratingly, much was still the same. There had been very little in the way of government action to better secure our power grid, create plans for defense and public preparedness, or a more robust foreign policy toward the acquisition of weapons that could generate an EMP. Wrote the author, “I pray that I never one day hear, ‘Bill you were right.'”

Aside from being the author of over 40 books, Forstchen is a Professor of History and Faculty Fellow at Montreat College, North Carolina. He received his doctorate from Purdue University with specializations in Military History, the American Civil War and the History of Technology.  

What to Expect:

You will learn about the realities of how an EMP burst in our atmosphere would set America back helplessly in time.  The book is a page-turner that we highly recommend you read in advance of the course. Doug and Lynn will walk the class through the major points of the technology, then lead a discussion of what the repercussions might look like today, as well as what needs to be done to protect against such an attack.

Feedback from Lynn’s Past Courses:

“Thank you for a well-researched and provocative seminar. I was impressed by your prep work for the three sessions, and your conduct of an inclusive [everyone was called on!] discussion.”

“This was an informative, stimulating class on a very timely and critical global topic. Class members were provided with an array of invaluable reading materials in advance of each session. She also facilitated classes by including relevant videos that enhanced our understanding of the weekly focus. This resulted in excellent, engaging discussions. The leader’s preparation and guided discussion skills were exemplary and each of us learned so much. This was a class that I’ll continue to reflect upon for years.

“I felt that the moderator, Lynn Randle, did extensive research on the book and its background that spurred more discussion.  Very enjoyable.”

IN PERSON course at the Easton Family YMCA (no recording) | 1 session | Tuesday | February 27 | 1 – 2:30 pm | $20