gabosaurus
01-12-2010, 11:37 PM
I am currently reading a fascinating book that I got for Christmas. It is called "The Dead Hand." It's a book about how the U.S. and the Soviets approached the cold war.
The author, David Hoffman, gained access to previously classified documents from both governments. Hoffman also talked to insiders on both sides.
While preparing a presidential run in July of 1979, Reagan was given a tour of the missile defense headquarters in Colorado. It is a massively fortified building costing untold millions of dollars.
Reagan asked what would happen if a Soviet SS-18 missile hit nearby. He was told that the entire complex would be vaporized. Observers noted that Reagan was visibly shaken.
He then was briefed about the attack and defense capabilities of both sides. He was told that if Russians missiles were launched, he would have 30 minutes to respond. Even a limited exchange would wipe out 80 percent of the population of both countries.
When Reagan was elected, he began a secret dialogue with the Russian to scrap the nuclear arsenals of both countries. Only his closest advisers knew.
The plans were eventually derailed because the military establishments of both countries were very hawkish.
It's a great book so far. Check it out if you are into that historical period.
The author, David Hoffman, gained access to previously classified documents from both governments. Hoffman also talked to insiders on both sides.
While preparing a presidential run in July of 1979, Reagan was given a tour of the missile defense headquarters in Colorado. It is a massively fortified building costing untold millions of dollars.
Reagan asked what would happen if a Soviet SS-18 missile hit nearby. He was told that the entire complex would be vaporized. Observers noted that Reagan was visibly shaken.
He then was briefed about the attack and defense capabilities of both sides. He was told that if Russians missiles were launched, he would have 30 minutes to respond. Even a limited exchange would wipe out 80 percent of the population of both countries.
When Reagan was elected, he began a secret dialogue with the Russian to scrap the nuclear arsenals of both countries. Only his closest advisers knew.
The plans were eventually derailed because the military establishments of both countries were very hawkish.
It's a great book so far. Check it out if you are into that historical period.