5.8 Earthquake Draws Overreaction on East Coast

By Douglas V. Gibbs

5.8 earthquake strikes WashIington DC. Capitol and Pentagon evacuated. -- Political Pistachio



The above sentence is what I sent to Political Pistachio via cell phone moments after the earthquake struck Mineral, Virginia, and sent East Coast residents fleeing for cover. As the reports came out of the area, I didn't know if to laugh, or laugh louder.



Okay, I get it, you folks out there are not used to earthquakes. But the news agencies are using words like "huge" and "terrible" to describe a nice little 5.8 magnitude quake. That's a relatively mild earthquake. Sure, it rattles nerves, but are you serious? Thousands fleeing because of a little ol' 5.8 quake? Really?



Perhaps I seem insensitive, but I find it funny that a region that braves powerful hurricanes are freaking out over a mid-sized earthquake, and a handful of aftershocks.



Once again, I get it, you aren't used to earthquakes. In fact, there hasn't been a trembler this big on the East Coast since 1875. And I am told that around New York and Washington, memories of 911 were bubbling to the surface.



Okay, okay, that's your out. It felt like a terrorist attack, and you aren't used to your chairs moving and then realizing it is because the whole dang building is swaying back and forth.



Here in Southern California, a 5.8 earthquake is just another day in paradise. . . but your overreaction is still funny.



-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary



Thousands flee swaying buildings as 5.8 earthquake shakes East Coast from Washington D.C. to New York City - U.K. Mail Online