For those who can remember: The fear of nuclear war in Reagan's first term [View all]

was real and justified.

On September 26, 1983 we were five minutes away from the end of the world (see Alternative History Hub video below).

As David Byrne wrote: 'Our President's crazy - did you here what he said'

He said - 'The Soviet Union is an Evil Empire'. He said '[They have] a Mickey Mouse system [destined for] the ash heap of history'. He said 'My fellow Americans, I have just signed legislation outlawing Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes'

The Zeitgeist was venomous. We were on the edge.

Franke Goes to Hollywood- Two Tribes


Kate Bush - Breathing


David Bowie - Let's Dance




We were as close to the end as the Cuban Missile Crisis. I opposed the Fool on the Hill with all I had. I make no apology ... to this day.

September 26, 1983