October, 1962, I was a high school sophomore. I still remember watching some of our neighbors suddenly digging “Root Cellars” during the Cuban Missile Crisis. People around the world were nervous about an imminent nuclear war. Our neighbors were terrified because McLeansboro had been the Initial Aiming Point for mock attacks on Evansville. Seeing B-52s and their contrails left a lasting impression.

JFK and his experienced, level-headed advisors averted the catastrophe by his and Khrushchev’s agreement being trusted. When the evidence of the Cuban missiles was being shown to allied leaders, DeGalle said it wasn’t necessary because the President was an honorable man.

Both leaders operated under Mutual Assured Destruction policy which meant a war would destroy both nations and likely the entire planet. Both knew a misstatement or an unplanned action could launch either country’s missiles.

Secretary of State Tillerson recently came close to saying we were prepared to make a first launch in order to hit North Korea’s missiles and nuclear facilities before they launch.

Kim Jung Um is unstable, megalomaniac, and like Hitler, has no regard for his people. People know his statements have little meaning. Kim has stated his missiles could destroy all the American bases in South Korea and Japan. How does anyone know when it’s a warning or bluster? We have ICBMs targeting his country; when do we launch? How can we be certain of hitting every mobile launcher?

Kim might launch because our President, whose stability is questionable, says or tweets something provocative. Many reports have been aired by the media of several foreign countries of the mental state of President Trump and his advisors.

If our missiles start flying over China and Russia to hit North Korea will they sit idle or launch?