David Hook

1)Was it a smart move for Kennedy to monger fear with his address to the nation in July of 1961?
If he didn't endorse the use of bomb shelters by appointing $207 million to civil defense would the "red scare" have gained as much steam? Was this a wise choice on his part?
Discuss: "better red than dead" "gun thy neighbor"

2)Was the bomb shelter considered a wise choice or was it simply "a hole to crawl into and die"?
Would one rather die quickly rather than live in a post apocalyptic world?

3)It was stated that the government spent $5.5 trillion on Cold War weapons development during the arms race which would ultimately just make damage even throughout the world. Why was ultimate destruction mutually acceptable among world powers as opposed to diplomacy? Why would an "intelligent" government play the most expensive and dangerous game of chicken known to man? If Truman never dropped the bombs on Japan, would this arms race exist knowing that a person is capable of killing so many with the push of a button? If Truman never dropped the bombs would someone else have first?

Questions 1 and 2 are referring to Rose and 3 is referring to Vanderbilt.