Col. Stanislav Petrov, Savior of the World?

[unixronin]

Interesting reading about how World War III almost started in 1983, except for one Russian colonel who said, "Fuck, this makes no sense, I won't do it."

Comments

[dirtynumbangel.livejournal.com]

Good Christ.

That's terrifying. But for that man, none of us would be here right now.

You're telling me.

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

If I ever meet Col. Petrov, I think I want to buy a bottle of the best vodka I can find, and ask him if he'll do me the honor of sitting down and drinking it with me.

I don't like vodka

[dakiwiboid.livejournal.com]

but I'd drink to that!

Re: I don't like vodka

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

Come the glorious revolution, Comrade, we will ALL drink vodka ... and we will LIKE IT!

[grin]

[radarrider.livejournal.com]

Only five missiles? That was clue number one if you ask me. A surprise attack would almost certainly have consisted of more. Methinks Col. Petrov probably thought that as well which would have contributed to the decision he fortunately made.

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

Unless, of course, we tried a sneak launch of five missiles to take out a couple of their most crucial systems first in an effort to decapitate their launch system, hoping they'd be certain it was a glitch because no real sneak attack would be only five missiles....

[micheinnz.livejournal.com]

People make decisions all the time that don't appear to make any logical sense, but which are, in reality, built on years and years of experience. It comes out as "gut instinct". I think that's what was at work here.

But yes, Alaric, if you do happen to meet Col. Petrov, please raise a glass for me.