Lars Larson: Mt. St. Helens ready to blow again?

By Lars Larson
NW and national radio host,

As you’re hearing that Mt St Helens is getting ready to blow again after recharging the last 44 years.

But have no fear, scientists offer their reassurance.

Yeah, right.

Here’s what I know about the calming words of the U.S. Geological Survey.

When I covered Mt St Helens 1980 eruption, from the first signs in late March to and through the catastrophic May 18 blow out…USGS offered us reassurance and twice daily press briefings.

6 months later, I attended an “after action” meeting between USGS and reporters.

We pointed out to them that all of us had asked, before the eruption, “what’s the worst that could happen”.

They described NOTHING like what ACTUALLY happened.

That night the scientists admitted they downplayed the risks and they KNEW it could blow up like it did. They told us they held back that little tidbit because “we knew you reporters would tell the public and they would have overreacted.”

Huh?! Overreacted?

When the mountain finally blew, 57 died.

4 were inside the “Red zone”.

53 were in the government identified “safe zones”.

Dozens of people in “safe zones” escaped by the skin of their teeth.

Consider USGS “reassurance” in that context.

And, if you’re so inclined, factor in all the other things “the science” has told Americans over the last 4 years…and how well THAT worked out.