David McCullough writes in his book Truman about President Truman making the decision to develop atomic weapons. There was no televised press conference, no teleprompter, just a mimeographed sheet he gave to a staff person to hand out to reporters (then Truman walked over to Blair House for lunch). Here is what it said: "It is part of my responsibility as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces to see to it that our country is able to defend itself against any possible aggressor. Accordingly, I have directed the Atomic Energy Commission to continue its work on all forms of atomic weapons, including the so-called hydrogen or superbomb."
Times sure have changed.
2 comments:
Times have changed. Today was the National Day of Prayer -- Did TOTUS have a statement?
I love McCollough's books. All of them are terrific. Truman and W were twins. They both believed their first duty was to keep US safe. And they both frankly had more of an idealized way of seeing government as a friend on the domestic side of things. Mostly though they are remembered for keeping us safe.
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