As I am almost 80, I well remember the start of the Cold War. Sirens going off every Wednesday at noon. Air raid drills (much more than just "duck and cover" ) culminating by 6th grade into the school district's realization that even loading us onto a bus to evacuate wasn't going to work. There was constant underlying fear that we simply…
As I am almost 80, I well remember the start of the Cold War. Sirens going off every Wednesday at noon. Air raid drills (much more than just "duck and cover" ) culminating by 6th grade into the school district's realization that even loading us onto a bus to evacuate wasn't going to work. There was constant underlying fear that we simply had to ignore. It was no coincidence that this was the time that the idea of cognitive dissonance first was propounded.
In the late 50s, after reading On the Beach and later seeing the movie, the fear settled on fallout--at least being in the blast zone would be quick. (I lived in a major urban area with a major defense industry presence). In the 60s, I regularly traveled up and down 1-5 between my parent's home in Seattle and my home while I was in grad school. And thereby hangs the tale---
There is, part way through Oregon, an area in a valley that was known for being the least probable place where fallout would gather (something to do with the winds), at least on the West Coast. And I found, as I drove the half hour or so through it, an incredible LIFTING sensation: for 30 minutes I'd be actually safe.
Young'ns, you do NOT want to go back to that time. For all the idealization of the Donna Reed 50s, it was in fact a time of constant stress that there was no way to escape. When nuclear powers start hurling insults, not to mention missiles, at each other, be afraid, be very afraid. Nip it in the bud however you can.
You've got me by 30 years, but I agree wholeheartedly on that not being a good way to live. Problem is, we likely aren't going to get a choice. Or actually, our choice is in how we deal with Ukraine and if we elect Trump. A signal to China that the west is feckless and an election of America First = America Alone, and in 10-20 years, we'll be in a new cold war whether we like it or not.
As I am almost 80, I well remember the start of the Cold War. Sirens going off every Wednesday at noon. Air raid drills (much more than just "duck and cover" ) culminating by 6th grade into the school district's realization that even loading us onto a bus to evacuate wasn't going to work. There was constant underlying fear that we simply had to ignore. It was no coincidence that this was the time that the idea of cognitive dissonance first was propounded.
In the late 50s, after reading On the Beach and later seeing the movie, the fear settled on fallout--at least being in the blast zone would be quick. (I lived in a major urban area with a major defense industry presence). In the 60s, I regularly traveled up and down 1-5 between my parent's home in Seattle and my home while I was in grad school. And thereby hangs the tale---
There is, part way through Oregon, an area in a valley that was known for being the least probable place where fallout would gather (something to do with the winds), at least on the West Coast. And I found, as I drove the half hour or so through it, an incredible LIFTING sensation: for 30 minutes I'd be actually safe.
Young'ns, you do NOT want to go back to that time. For all the idealization of the Donna Reed 50s, it was in fact a time of constant stress that there was no way to escape. When nuclear powers start hurling insults, not to mention missiles, at each other, be afraid, be very afraid. Nip it in the bud however you can.
You've got me by 30 years, but I agree wholeheartedly on that not being a good way to live. Problem is, we likely aren't going to get a choice. Or actually, our choice is in how we deal with Ukraine and if we elect Trump. A signal to China that the west is feckless and an election of America First = America Alone, and in 10-20 years, we'll be in a new cold war whether we like it or not.
At least I'm not likely to be around for the longer of that time span. But I fear for my kids and grandkids.