H
HaoZi
Guest
That's regional? I thought it was nationwide.
First he postulated riots in West Berlin, with buildings in flames, and the East German fire brigade crossing the border to help. He stopped pacing, stared at me [the PM] and asked me if I'd press the button in such circumstances.
OBVIOUSLY the answer was no. Rosenblum nodded. He seemed to agree. Then he asked me if I'd press the button if the East German police came with the fire brigade. Again I shook my head. How could I start a nuclear war because of such a small territorial infringement?
Rosenblum started pacing again. 'Suppose the East Germans send some troops. Then more troops - just for riot control, they say. And then the East German troops are replaced by Russian troops. You push the button?'
Russian troops replacing East German troops in West Berlin? Would I start a nuclear war? I don't see how I could. I shook my head again.
Rosenblum smiled and suggested cheerfully that the next 'slice' would be that the Russian troops don't go. They would be 'invited' to stay to support the civilian administration. Then the civilian administration closes roads and airports. West Berlin would now be cut off. Would I now push the button?
I didn't know. I told him I needed time to think.
'You have 12 hours!' he barked.
'Scenario Two. Russian army manouvres take them "accidentally" on purpose across the West German frontier... is THAT the last resort?'
'No,' I replied. It didn't seem to be.
'All right,' he continued with great enthusiasm. 'Scenario Three. Suppose the Russians have invaded and occupied West Germany, Belgium, Holland and France. Suppose their troops have reached the English Channel.Suppose they are poised for an invasion. Is THAT the last resort?'
I stonewalled. 'No.'
'Why not?' he demanded. 'WHY NOT?'
My mind was a fog... 'Because we would only fight a war to defend ourselves, and how can we defend ourselves without committing suicide?'
'So what IS the last resort?' asked Rosenblum. 'Picadilly? Watford Gap Service station? The Reform Club?'
Why is it that everyone assumes that you're willing to jump in the sack? Is it the age (47?), is it the desperation? Is it just that the assumption is that if you're seperated, you just want to mess around and that caring, romance and feelings aren't supposed to enter into it?
Movies & TV probably have a part but I don't think it is as big a part as they being given 'credit' for.PLUS - overall, we are developing a kind of "hook-up culture" where casual sex is the norm and actual "dating" is the exception...
Just one question: Do they do the traditional bead necklace tossing?
Aye.......makin' room Shelia...makin' room!
See? It's the angel corner...neener neener. (Star admits she's NOT so bad to the mods)