Political hatred, arrogance can blind one to historical reality

The Nation was kind in publishing Guy Baker’s letter attacking me personally, despite its lack of substance in disputing my contention that the Cuban Missile Crisis ended in triumph for the West. In past letters Mr Baker has had plenty of personal axes to grind against his country, America. Now he brushes off as baloney JFK’s contribution, as recorded in “history books around the world”. Kennedy did in fact successfully eliminate the Cuban missile site almost immediately after the American U-2 spy plane spotted the threat so close to the coast of Florida. A warm “thank you” for that action is in order irrespective of any personal dislike reserved for him and his family. Yet, for suggesting merely that, I am branded a propaganda machine for American liberals. Mr Baker’s arrogance and limited choice of vocabulary is beyond belief.

Beside historical records, my personal experience living in London at that time means I recall vividly the day the Soviets announced the Cuban withdrawal. The Soviets blinked first. That “high noon” of 13 days in 1962 was unforgettable for any adult then living in the West. 

Songdej Praditsmanont