Cuban Missile Crisis 2.0

For 13 days in 1962, the world teetered on the brink of nuclear war. The dictator of the Soviet Union (which is what we called Russia then), Nikita Khrushchev, assessed President John Kennedy as inexperienced and weak. Inexperienced, yes, but weak? Kennedy was a decorated combat veteran.

Khrushchev stationed missiles in Cuba capable of hitting Washington and New York. After days of conflicting reports, finally the news was too clear to ignore. Kennedy ordered the missiles removed, and declared a naval blockade of Cuba, which is an act of war.

Kennedy addressed the nation on Friday afternoon. I vividly recall that after hearing his speech, we said rather formal goodbyes to our office mates, as if unsure whether we would see them again next Monday morning. It was clear that Kennedy was dead serious.

But Khrushchev blinked and began to remove the missiles. We all took a deep breath. History was made, but not ended.

What are the drones over New Jersey? The Pentagon won’t say. Either they know but won’t tell us, which is frightening, or they don’t know, which is more frightening. Are we on the brink, as in 1962? But there are differences:
• In 1962 we had a president who was keenly aware of the danger. Now we have a president who may not be aware of what he had for breakfast.
• In 1962 the Pentagon was run by generals and admirals who, as young officers, had beaten the enormous military machines of Germany and Japan. Now we have a Pentagon run by nerds who could not beat medieval goat herds after 20 years of trying.
• In 1962 we had a Congress run by politicians who were aware of their huge responsibility. Now we have politicians aware of their careers and their bank accounts.
• In 1962 we had an FBI run by a legendary lawman. Now we have an FBI run by a political yes-man.
• In 1962 we had a population who backed their leaders 100% in times of trouble, regardless of their political leanings. Now we have a population so deeply divided that they fill media with the most vile accusations against both the president and the president-elect.

And you think our potential enemies don’t see all this? The drones, whatever they are, are not just drones. They are portents.