I cannot agree with Ms. Packer more. The acuality of an EMP attack's consequencial effects will be orders of magnit ude worse than even she pointed out. Black starting the national electrical grid with a major part of the grid in tatters will take years unless precautions have been taken. Also Mr. Packer has not mentioned the international impact of the sudden loss of the USA as a customer, a lender, a borrower, an employer and a policeman for the world. Ignoring that aspect, I agree with Dr. Wood that a successful EMP attack would technologically transport this country back to that of the mid 1800s. I would add this, however. It would take us back to the days of horses and buggies without horses or buggies.
Individuals and the nation can survive even a successful attack. The means of doing so are right in front of us, but it has to be a team effort, and the entire US - the Government(s), Industry, and the people are the team.