Timothy Wilken, MD –
This is not a criticism of the federal officers who were involved in
the adversary containment at the Branch Davidian Church. Clearly the
members of that church were heavily armed and dangerous. But as a
thought experiment, how would synergic containment work differently
than adversary containment? …

Those within the compound would then be
ordered to put down their weapons and move out to the perimeter to
voluntarily enter into protective custody. Those being contained would
have a short time to voluntarily surrender. If there was no response,
or a hostile response, the Synergic Containment Force would
begin Containment Isolation of  the compound.

Once Containment
Isolation is implemented, nothing goes in. Access to electricity,
television, telephone, water, food and all outside supplies are a
privilege to members of community in good standing. That privilege is
suspended. Nothing goes in. Every thing would stop! Then the
Containment Force would sit back and wait for them to come out.

Any
unarmed member of the church could leave anytime by simply presenting
to the rescue corridor for safe escort to the perimeter where they
could voluntarily enter protective custody. Once out, no one goes back
in unless and until Synergic Containment is lifted.

The compound would
not be stormed or attacked in anyway. No barrage of noise, loud music,
or teargas. They would be left to themselves without phones,
television, newspapers, mail, electricity, water, etc.etc..

They are
not being punished. The benefits of community are being suspended until
they cease all adversity. I expect that most of the members would have
come out and surrendered. Perhaps not all. Once each day, the
containment force would explicitly communicate with the contained
adversaries, reminding them that safety, food, water, shelter and
medical care wait for them at the perimeter. It would be made clear
that to exit the containment zone, they need only put down their
weapons and present to the rescue corridor, or perimeter.
Any individual–adult or child–that did so would be given protection,
water, food, medical care and shelter. (10/11/02)
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