I think the problem here with this thread and with this type of training is not so much the fact that it's being done as much as the fact that Ralph is (Uncharacteristically, of course) bragging about it.
To be honest,sometimes Ralph comes across to me as if he is advertising for his school and it's methods. BUT, I also have to consider that we all need feedback and discussion whether it's positive or negative. No one lives in a cave and it's good to interact with your peers. One must also consider the fact that Hatsumi S. has given Ralph the go ahead to do his thing as he sees fit in 'Texico' (perhaps sharing an artist's kinship)
The bottom line is What Ralph is presenting to his students is in my opinion 100% in keeping with the spirit of Ninpo. It's also a civicly responisble subject to discuss and very timely. Somebody has to shoulder the paranoia and the "what if" scenarios. Don't forget that the Rodney King spawned LA riots and the "Orgy of Looting" in Iraq could be at your doorstep in a single days disaster. as long as Nukes, SARS, Dirty Bombs, Anthrax, Small Pox, and islamic fundamentalists set on Jihad, exists in the world, a pinch of paranoid preparation never hurt anyone. Keep it up, Kamiyama!
Takamatsu Sensei said that the three traits of the Ninja were:
Effort
Honesty
an interest in everything
Greg Caplinger
Gekka Dojo
GWBNF/KJJR
"Shin-gi-tai-ichi"