Jan 14
2009
Last Resort
How about a little nuclear holocaust discussion to brighten your day? Really interesting piece over at Slate by Ron Rosenbaum (who I mentioned in my Hitler piece) all about the "letter of last resort" and response to nuclear annihilation. That letter sits inside a safe which sits inside a safe inside a British nuclear submarine and contains directions from the Prime Minister on whether to fire back after Britain has been almost entirely destroyed.
Rosenbaum explores the topic in detail, specifically focusing on the ethical implications of retaliating with the full force of a nuclear arsenal once you know that you and everyone else around you has been killed.
How's that for upbeat?
Ah, a subject dear to my heart, if that's possible for such a morose thing.
You might like these two bbc radio shows.
First one is about the guys responsible for pressing the button.
http://speechification.com/2009/01/08/the-human-button/
Next one is about Britains cuban missile crisis.
http://speechification.com/2008/09/28/document-britains-cuban-missile-crisis/
Both great pieces highlighting the tense and dark times of yesteryear.