Too Close For Comfort...!

You know, this happened in the not too distant past!

It may be that a simple oversight like this could bring down the whole house of cards the world governments have built over the years, only next time it will probably come from the middle East!

Just like the old saying goes, if we don't learn from our history we are more than likely going to repeat it!

Jan 25, 1995:

Near launching of Russian nukes

Russia's early-warning defense radar detects an unexpected missile launch near Norway, and Russian military command estimates the missile to be only minutes from impact on Moscow. Moments later, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, his defense minister, and his chief of staff were informed of the missile launch. The nuclear command systems switched to combat mode, and the nuclear suitcases carried by Yeltsin and his top commander were activated for the first time in the history of the Soviet-made weapons system. Five minutes after the launch detection, Russian command determined that the missile's impact point would be outside Russia's borders. Three more minutes passed, and Yeltsin was informed that the launching was likely not part of a surprise nuclear strike by Western nuclear submarines.

These conclusions came minutes before Yeltsin and his commanders should have ordered a nuclear response based on standard launch on warning protocols. Later, it was revealed that the missile, launched from Spitzbergen, Norway, was actually carrying instruments for scientific measurements. Nine days before, Norway had notified 35 countries, including Russia, of the exact details of the planned launch. The Russian Defense Ministry had received Norway's announcement but had neglected to inform the on-duty personnel at the early-warning center of the imminent launch. The event raised serious concerns about the quality of the former Soviet Union's nuclear systems.

I would like to thank the folks at History.com for reminding me of just how damned scary real life can be! I would hate to wake up dead from a nuclear attack, just because some meat-head somewhere didn't get the memo!

Before we go get our coffee, I'd like you to welcome a new blogger to our group! Please go by Life In Iowa and say hello to Sella, who is just getting started with her blog, OK? Thanks, guys!

Fresh coffee in the kitchen this morning. Cool and rainy outside, so the patio is no good!