Weapons of Mass Destruction

[andrewducker]

22 years ago, mankind was nearly wiped out, because a computer system falsely reported that enemy nuclear missiles had been launched.  Luckily, one man made the correct call that it was a false alarm.  We were this close to global thermonuclear war.

I wonder how many people I'd trust to make that decision.

You can read about it here (thanks to communicator).

Comments

[azalemeth.livejournal.com]

There are quite a few stories like that from the cold war. One of my very good friends built most of our nuclear arsenal; including quite a few that are still 'in use' today.


Did you know that when a warhead was accidentally discharged from a plane during a test, the only thing that stopped most of southern England and Brittany from vanishing was an old, ancient, clockwork safety device that was the only one to keep functioning - and the last in the line - when the device went underwater? (I do have that first hand...I'm sure it's in the public domain by now...eep)

[a-pawson.livejournal.com]

It makes you think, how many of us would have taken the decision he took? He was disobeying a direct order from his superiors, which I am sure it must take a brave man to do in the Soviet military.

There again, how many of us can actually wake up in the morning knowing they have genuiniely saved the world?

[channelpenguin.livejournal.com]

You only just found this one? It got a big news story many months back...

Great guy - I much admire him.

[stillcarl.livejournal.com]

I wonder how many people I'd trust to make that decision.

People can't be trusted so shouldn't be trusted with it. Hence it should be a computer's decision, and it should always decide it's a false alarm...