Land Of Flatwater: The Start of the Shortest Month
Nebraskans For Peace offices -- Benson Neighborhood Midtown Omaha Tuesday January 31, 1984 10:30 a.m.
It was a cold morning in front of the offices for Nebraskans For Peace. A storefront in the Benson neighborhood shopping area. Carolina, dressed in a sweatshirt printed "I SUPPORT THE WOMEN OF GREENHAM COMMON" was front of cameras and microphones, responding to the events of the weekend.
"We of Nebraskans For Peace strongly condemn the actions of the Soviet-backed forces in the downing of KAL Flight 146. We strongly condemn the actions of Soviet forces in East Germany. Crackdown reminiscent of those on Hungary in 1956 and Czechoslovakia in 1968. We condemn their continued occupation of Afghanistan."
"We also condemn the continued myriad build-up of American forces in West Germany which have directly antagonized the Warsaw Pact nations for nearly 2 years without real attempts to seek peaceful solution on either side."
"The United States and the Soviet Union combined are blackmailing the world in their continued quest for power at the expense of peace
"This week in Europe a coalition of trade unions and peace groups will be demonstrating as far east as Poland, who will be doing so openly in defiance of the government orders and their Soviet masters."
"Nebraskans For Peace will also take part, along with peace groups and unions here in the U.S. with demonstrations throughout the weekend, including a candlelight vigil Saturday at Offutt Air Force Base."
"We will also protest at any and all draft locations in Omaha and throughout the Nebraska. We feel the the call to activate the Selection Service System is a forcing the citizenry to accept war as a normal consequence. We find it wrong, and actually is destabilizing to the situation."
"We ask all Omahans and all Nebraskans to help lead our President and the General Secretary back to the peace table. Let's negotiate instead of radiate. I will now take your questions."
The World Herald reporter was first up, "Ma'am after last night, most Americans are supporting preparing to take action, do you feel that your protests will gain traction."
Carolina smiled, "We knew they'll gain traction because most people are scared throughout Omaha now. While your kids are studying, the Civil Defense people are rebuilding the shelters in their school. Police and firefighters and beginning to plan for when the bombs come. More and more people are saying 'When the bombs' come. People are afraid and they should be. I say turn that feeling of powerlessness into powerful action. We the people here and around the world have to send the message that we don't grant our consent to die in nuclear fire."
Wednesday February 1, 1984 -- City Planning Office 10:30am
The superintendent of schools and the head of the teacher's union were in Walt's office, and they weren't happy. In fact they were sounding a lot like Carolina.
"I understand the concerns sir," Walt told the superintendent. "I have kids, too. But Civil Defense has a job to do, and there's no getting around it. We have to keep working and expand the shelters."
"Walt, I see the news every night," The Superintendent said. "But I'm getting questions from teachers and parents. They are getting worried. Do we have to do this during school hours."
"You both the knew the score back in the fall," Walt pleaded. "I need every minute I can get right now."
The union head was just as contentious, "Why not work after the school days ends, when the kids can't see all of it."
"Carol, c'mon," Walt said again. "Civil Defense and city planning is already stretched to the maximum, and we have do a lot at a lot of schools in a short time. Those shelters were built in the 50s and 60s...In case you haven't noticed, there;s a lot of more people in those schools now. Let say, for example...an attack happens when the kids are in school. Most of this schools have more kids than we do shelter space. I ask you both WHO GETS TO LIVE AND WHO GETS TO DIE?"
Both were silent. Minds racing.
"I'm asking again," Walt boomed. "WHO'S GET TO LIVE? Who will make that call, eh? What I'm trying to do is help take that choice off the table. Remember, I am a parent, too.
"So I ask you both again," Walt said quietly and fiercely, "Who among your schools will you choose to let live?"
Miss Germaine's classroom -- same time
"Well class lets talk about this," Miss Germaine said. "How many kids in this class agree with the idea of protests,"
Only two hands went up in a class of 25.
"I think both of you are anti-American," Geoff said. A boy in glasses with wearing a Van Heusen shirt. "That's how I feel."
One of the people who raised her hand, a girl shot back. "I am not! I just think that we're both going too far. Why would you say that."
He answered back, "Because the President said we need to stand up to them. They would shoot anybody down to take over the world. It is what they want."
Chip just sat there, he wanted to say something, but restrained himself. He never liked Geoff. He struck him as a bully, and not very smart. They have crossed each other. Geoff is a taller, heavier kid and tends to try to intimidate when he speaks. Chip is a kid who doesn't take kindly to tries to intimidate him. They are oil and water, and they are about to collide in the same beaker.
Miss Germaine looked at Chip. "We know you have opinion," Miss Germaine said. "Why do you have your hand up?"
"Because I will be at the protests this weekend," Chip said.
Another kid asked, "Why"
"Because I am frightened," Chip said somberly. "I see two massive armies really to fight and they are ready to take the world down with them. The United States and the Soviet Union are barely a tenth of the population of the world. Yet, they can hold 5 billion people hostage."
"If you don't like it MOVE TO RUSSIA," Geoff bellow.
Chip looked at him. "You are as ignorant, as you are bellicose."
Geoff look at Chip. "Is that even a word."
Chip look at his opponent with disdain. "He's isn't very smart," Chip thought. And Chip, as slight and small as he was, did have a brain and a mouth...and he took both off safety.
"Yes it is a word. I would suggest you get a dictionary. You may not be able to think, but hopefully you can at least read."
The class were stunned. The weird kid was coming at Geoff. It didn't make Chip any more popular, in fact he was seen as arrogant, aloof, opinionated. But at that moment Chip really didn't care. He felt bullied and threatened, and when cornered, Chip fought like hell.
Geoff parried and fought back himself. "You always wear those
'peace' t-shirts. My dad says those people want Russia to take us over. They they are funded by Moscow, you probably like that...that....the jerk Russian President guy.."
Chip giggled. "Typical loud-mouthed white American. You don't even know the name of the Soviet President. When you learn his name and have a thought of your own....Then you might be able to reach my level. Until then...shut up....And just for you, my friend. I'll wear one of my peace shirts tomorrow."
After class Geoff walked up to Chip. Chip felt his body stiffen, like he was ready to coil to make a tackle.
"If you wear that shirt tomorrow, I'm going to jack you up little man."
Chip was shaking. He didn't like to fight, but this shaking was due to fear. It was due to anger. As much as the little boy sought peace, he didn't back down from a challenge.
Three E's Barber Shop -- 1pm Wednesday February 2, 1984
Ed just got done with another satisfied customer with the radio playing in the background. The "Soul of Omaha" KBWH blaring some latest R&B.
"Hey, Ed!" His partner Eric yelled out. "Telephone, man. Its your brother..."
"Which one," Ed laughed. "I have six of those."
Ed took the receiver, "Which one of the my knuckle-headed brothers is this?"
"It's Ralph, punk!"
"Whacha doin' rockhead."
"Nothing much, just on a little break from this endless alert thing going on."
"Still on stand-by?"
"Dig it lil brother. I'm waiting for the phone to ring, and I hope it never does."
Ed's older brother Ralph was always a leader. When they were kids, Ed was the receiver but Ralph was the quarterback. Ed was the point guard, but Ralph played center. He joined up in the Air Force right after high school, and got to learn how to fly...eventually good enough to be combat pilot. But a tour in Vietnam being shot at in an F-4 got him thinking about something else. He asked for a switch to learn to fly B-52s, and he worked his way into a BUFF. Now he runs his own ship, based at Eaker Air Force Base, Arkansas. The family's home state.
"Hey Ed," Ralph asked. "I wanna let you know I've moved Bunny and Dee down to Morrillton with the relatives until all this blows over."
"Okay," Ed said. "How much safer would they be Ralph? They have a base in Little Rock, too,
"They'd be an hour away from Little Rock. They'd at least be safe, brotha. Helluva lot safer than Eaker."
"Listen Ed, there something I gotta tell you and I may not have the chance later as much as they have us on lockdown."
"Shoot."
"I'm sending you a care package this week." Ralph said. "Some thing you may need to help get you through. You do have a shelter or something should...you know.."
"Well there what's under ma's house.."
"Hopefully that will do," Ralph answered. "I left some things there, too Ed."
"C'mon lets not be so quick to jump the gun here,"
"Now you are sounding like my damn wife," Ralph said in an irritated tone.
"Damn, Ralph what's your malfunction?"
"I had a fight with Bunny..."
"What the hell is new? You two always fussin'"
"It was over me sending her and my daughter to stay with Bobbi Jean and Melville down yonder. They wanted to stay, and i didn't want them here because I didn't want them to be targets here. I just wanted them safe, Ed."
For the first time in his life, Ed felt the fear in his big brother.
"If I'm in that plane and the call comes," Ralph said. "I most likely won't be back. I won't get to see them at the end anyway. I'll be somewhere over Russia knowing I have nothing to come back to. I can at least do what may need doing, knowing that the people I love are safe. I can die in peace that way."
There was a long pause, during which Ed faintly heard the news item. It was the growing unrest in Europe.
"Ralph?" Ed said. "You said its in the basement? I'll head over this week and check it out."
"Do that.."
The dinner table -- Walt's house -- 7:00pm
"Walt you are quiet tonight," Jennifer said to her husband. "Are you alright."
Walt's mind was spinning in facts and figures. The hot argument with the school officials. The cold calculus of what FEMA and NEMA were expecting. He looked around at his family. His lovely wife. His son...and his little Jill.
"Sorry honey, its just been tough day."
"Dad," his son Jeff asked. "I think there is something you aren't telling us. Does it have to do with the job.."
Walt was visibly frustrated. He just needed to vent, but not to his kids.
It came out anyway. "I'm scared, son," Walt said. "I'm really scared."
"Scared of what?"
"My job," Walt said. "My job is to protect people fromsomething that there is no protection against. And.... its getting to me right now."
Chip's bedroom -- 10:30pm --
"Tonight...the continuing crisis in Germany, after the KLM 146 disaster and the tough talk, how far will it go?....Good Evening, I'm Ted Koppel and this.....is Nightline."
Chip was being allowed to stay up to see this. As he packed his bags for another day at school.
"Amid the growing tensions in the world, the big question is how far will both NATO and the Warsaw Pact go to defend their interest and what could it all mean? We will have three guests tonight. Joining us from Moscow via Satellite, Vladimir Posner, lead commentator for Radio Moscow in the Soviet Union. Ironically, Posner spent his early years growing up in New York City. Joining us from Boston, Massachusetts noted astrophysicist Carl Sagan, and from Washington, Georgia Congressman Newton Gingrich.
Chip's dad walked into the room and sat down.
"First we'll turn to Mr. Posner. The Soviet Union tends to blame the west for everything however you could surely understand the American reaction. Two airliners in five month?"
"First off, Ted," Vladimir Posner began in his Central Park West accent, "The Soviet Union had nothing to do with sad events of KLM 146. Our military was not involved in any way. The Soviet people abhor aggression and we feel the United States is using this accident as a justification for aggression.."
"Now Vladimir," Koppel interview. "No matter what country the planes came from, it was under Soviet sanction, now how can you say what you just said given the fact of the case.."
"Ted," Posner answered. "The facts are that the airliner strayed into our airspace and didn't identify itself"
"I think the words KLM on the side are all the identifier you need," Congressman Gingrich interrupted. "This is just the Soviet Union lying to the world, again. This is the reality of the Soviet Union. They feel the rules don't apply to them anywhere in the world. That is why the Soviets are massing troops in East Germany now. Your politburo, your military Mr. Posner is sending the message that we are the USSR and we do what we please."
"And the message that Ronald Reagan sends in the return is 'We are America, we do what we please and interfere where we please, be it East Germany , be it Lebanon through your lackey state Israel, be it Grenada were a socialist government chosen in the way you Americans prescribe was overthrown by American militarism," Posner fired back.
Chip watched intently as his father looked on as well. Both looking at the Gingrich-Posner argument developing.
Koppel finally managed to regain control long enough to get Carl Sagan in the discussion. In is familiar delivery, Sagan framed the real issue.
"Ted, I am watching these two men. Both standing in the gasoline with their matches..and I'd like to ask both of them. Mr. Posner, Congressman Gingrich, and what point will this stop?" Carl Sagan asked. "Last year eminent scientists from both sides, including myself, have put forth graphic evidence that concludes that if you use these weapons you threaten the survival of the human species. Yet, both sides recklessly continue on this road to nowhere. Why should BILLIONS of the people of the world be held hostage by either of you? What gives either the United States or the Soviet Union the right to dictate the survival of our biosphere as if either of you own it. I find your bluster and your escalations arrogant. That arrogance will be the death of us all."
Chip was fired up. "YOU TELL 'EM, CARL!" he yelled to his TV.
Chip dad smiled at him, "Interesting that you say that, given that you are escalating something, too."
"Huh?"
"Don't huh me," his dad said. "You know what I'm talking about. Your mom told me."
His mom entered his room as he said that.
"Mrs. Germaine told me how you went after that boy, you were no different than this Gingrich person."
"Mom, he threatened me..I can't let it go without saying something."
Dad nodded, "He's right Gail. And I applaud that. Our son wasn't pushed around nor should he be."
But dad looked at Chip hard, "But son," he began. "You are acted no different that this two men on TV right now. He went after you, so you went after him. Yes, you may shown your smarts about it. But you used your weapons on him and the affect was so devastating that you backed him into a corner. It wasn't the time to do it, it could have been defused. But you escalated and he did..And tomorrow you will wear that shirt and you should. It is what you believe and you should defend. But I want you to show some class. Do not engage with this kid. He doesn't know what you know. Don't get into a pissing contest with a prick, son."
"My son, my son," Gail said as she hugged. "You have to stick for yourself. Stand your ground, but if he is backing away from the table. Let him do so with grace. I'm willing to bet that he doesn't want a fight anymore than you do."
"Mom, Dad...okay," Chip said. "I don't want a fight, but I don't like being called names for I believe in. I'm scared it going to get worse."
That night, Ed went to sleep. Slipped under the cover, spooning his wife. His brain was churning. Thinking of Ralph, Rick, his son...what he had heard on Nightline.
"Dear Lord," Ed thought. "Is the whole damn world going to bed scared like me?"
Thursday February 2, 1984
Chip is on the school bus for the trip west to Morton Junior High. His winter jacket zipped up. Underneath was his T-shirt saying "I SUPPORT THE WOMEN OF GREENHAM COMMON". He was doing what his dad suggested. Be smarter.
He went to second period...Mrs. Germaine's class...and Geoff was there. Chip walked in the room and took his seat. He said nothing to the other boy. He just heard he and his friend snicker, "He didn't wear a peace shirt..He backed down...little chicken" Chipper wanted to fire back, but he held it, and then he giggled. "Now I see, Dad," he thought.
Since Mrs. Germaine's class studied two subjects its two periods in the same room. It was early 3rd period when we went into the social studies. part of the class. The girl behind him asked him about his shirt.
"Who are the Women of Greenham Common?" she asked.
Chip answered. "They are a group of peace protestors in England. They are camping out at a base where our missiles are being sent to protest the missiles being there. They've been there for a while now from what I hear."
"The are camping out?"
"Yeah. They sleep in tents at the gates of the base and sometimes they try to block the shipments of the missiles are stop the mobile launchers when they practice firing them."
After the main lesson, Mrs. Germaine pulled out one of her surprises. Sometimes it was a pop quiz..But this day she had something different in mind.
"Today we're starting something new," Mrs. Germaine said. "I believe we should not only write well, she would be able to speak well and express our thoughts. So everyday somebody will have to give a short speech and something that matters to them. You never know who will be called on."
Mrs. Germaine had that look, and when she had that certain look, she was being really sly. Chip felt that cold fear in the pit of his stomach "She's about to put you on the spot again. I'm about to be picked on."
"To get this new idea started, I figured we all need to hear an expert show us how its done," Mrs. Germaine teased. "And I know just to the person to do this first....CHIP, YOU'RE UP! TELL ME ABOUT YOUR T-SHIRT."
"Miserable old hag," Chip thought to himself.
wooo hooo witchy woman, see how
high she flies
woo hoo witchy woman she got
the moon in her eye
Chip stood in front of the class, and began as only his could. "My T-Shirt, which I said I'd wear today..". He was tempted to look at Geoff, but didnt do it. He would play it Mom and Dad's way.
"The Women of Greenham Common are a group of women from England who are camped out in front of an air force base...RAF Greenham Common. That base is where our cruise missiles are. These people don't like the missile being there, so in protest they camp out there. They've sometimes been arrested for camping out. They, at times, have blocked shipments coming into the base. Or blocked the mobile launchers from going out for practice and drills."
Geoff looked at Chip with a look that was part smirk, part confusion. He thought Chip had backed down. He thought wrong.
"Why do you support them?"
"Because I agree that nobody wins a nuclear war, so why have one?"
After class, Geoff confronted Chip. "You aren't worth it," Geoff said. His little flunkies agreed.
Chip looked him in the eye defiantly and then Geoff walked away.
"Hey Chip," it was Dina the girl who sat behind him. "I just want to say, thanks for sticking up for me yesterday."
"Okay."
"And you aren't the only one here who think the way you do. You aren't alone. See ya at lunch.."
At lunch period. Chip met a few friends of Dina's. A group of kid who were kinda dressed well...they had the punk groove going. Which was a massive departure to Chip in a lot of ways...But a look at their buttons and shirts put them on the same wavelength."
"I just wanna say that t-shirt is cool, man" the boy said. "My name's Matt..."
The two boys shook hands.
"You going to that march this weekend?"
"I plan on it," Chip said. "How do you know about it."
"It's because of my favorite aunt," Matt said. "She knows this stuff, and I did some reading on what she was talking about at the library and I agree with her. My Auntie Carolina wants me to grow up. I want to grow up."
to be continued.
Nebraskans For Peace offices -- Benson Neighborhood Midtown Omaha Tuesday January 31, 1984 10:30 a.m.
It was a cold morning in front of the offices for Nebraskans For Peace. A storefront in the Benson neighborhood shopping area. Carolina, dressed in a sweatshirt printed "I SUPPORT THE WOMEN OF GREENHAM COMMON" was front of cameras and microphones, responding to the events of the weekend.
"We of Nebraskans For Peace strongly condemn the actions of the Soviet-backed forces in the downing of KAL Flight 146. We strongly condemn the actions of Soviet forces in East Germany. Crackdown reminiscent of those on Hungary in 1956 and Czechoslovakia in 1968. We condemn their continued occupation of Afghanistan."
"We also condemn the continued myriad build-up of American forces in West Germany which have directly antagonized the Warsaw Pact nations for nearly 2 years without real attempts to seek peaceful solution on either side."
"The United States and the Soviet Union combined are blackmailing the world in their continued quest for power at the expense of peace
"This week in Europe a coalition of trade unions and peace groups will be demonstrating as far east as Poland, who will be doing so openly in defiance of the government orders and their Soviet masters."
"Nebraskans For Peace will also take part, along with peace groups and unions here in the U.S. with demonstrations throughout the weekend, including a candlelight vigil Saturday at Offutt Air Force Base."
"We will also protest at any and all draft locations in Omaha and throughout the Nebraska. We feel the the call to activate the Selection Service System is a forcing the citizenry to accept war as a normal consequence. We find it wrong, and actually is destabilizing to the situation."
"We ask all Omahans and all Nebraskans to help lead our President and the General Secretary back to the peace table. Let's negotiate instead of radiate. I will now take your questions."
The World Herald reporter was first up, "Ma'am after last night, most Americans are supporting preparing to take action, do you feel that your protests will gain traction."
Carolina smiled, "We knew they'll gain traction because most people are scared throughout Omaha now. While your kids are studying, the Civil Defense people are rebuilding the shelters in their school. Police and firefighters and beginning to plan for when the bombs come. More and more people are saying 'When the bombs' come. People are afraid and they should be. I say turn that feeling of powerlessness into powerful action. We the people here and around the world have to send the message that we don't grant our consent to die in nuclear fire."
Wednesday February 1, 1984 -- City Planning Office 10:30am
The superintendent of schools and the head of the teacher's union were in Walt's office, and they weren't happy. In fact they were sounding a lot like Carolina.
"I understand the concerns sir," Walt told the superintendent. "I have kids, too. But Civil Defense has a job to do, and there's no getting around it. We have to keep working and expand the shelters."
"Walt, I see the news every night," The Superintendent said. "But I'm getting questions from teachers and parents. They are getting worried. Do we have to do this during school hours."
"You both the knew the score back in the fall," Walt pleaded. "I need every minute I can get right now."
The union head was just as contentious, "Why not work after the school days ends, when the kids can't see all of it."
"Carol, c'mon," Walt said again. "Civil Defense and city planning is already stretched to the maximum, and we have do a lot at a lot of schools in a short time. Those shelters were built in the 50s and 60s...In case you haven't noticed, there;s a lot of more people in those schools now. Let say, for example...an attack happens when the kids are in school. Most of this schools have more kids than we do shelter space. I ask you both WHO GETS TO LIVE AND WHO GETS TO DIE?"
Both were silent. Minds racing.
"I'm asking again," Walt boomed. "WHO'S GET TO LIVE? Who will make that call, eh? What I'm trying to do is help take that choice off the table. Remember, I am a parent, too.
"So I ask you both again," Walt said quietly and fiercely, "Who among your schools will you choose to let live?"
Miss Germaine's classroom -- same time
"Well class lets talk about this," Miss Germaine said. "How many kids in this class agree with the idea of protests,"
Only two hands went up in a class of 25.
"I think both of you are anti-American," Geoff said. A boy in glasses with wearing a Van Heusen shirt. "That's how I feel."
One of the people who raised her hand, a girl shot back. "I am not! I just think that we're both going too far. Why would you say that."
He answered back, "Because the President said we need to stand up to them. They would shoot anybody down to take over the world. It is what they want."
Chip just sat there, he wanted to say something, but restrained himself. He never liked Geoff. He struck him as a bully, and not very smart. They have crossed each other. Geoff is a taller, heavier kid and tends to try to intimidate when he speaks. Chip is a kid who doesn't take kindly to tries to intimidate him. They are oil and water, and they are about to collide in the same beaker.
Miss Germaine looked at Chip. "We know you have opinion," Miss Germaine said. "Why do you have your hand up?"
"Because I will be at the protests this weekend," Chip said.
Another kid asked, "Why"
"Because I am frightened," Chip said somberly. "I see two massive armies really to fight and they are ready to take the world down with them. The United States and the Soviet Union are barely a tenth of the population of the world. Yet, they can hold 5 billion people hostage."
"If you don't like it MOVE TO RUSSIA," Geoff bellow.
Chip looked at him. "You are as ignorant, as you are bellicose."
Geoff look at Chip. "Is that even a word."
Chip look at his opponent with disdain. "He's isn't very smart," Chip thought. And Chip, as slight and small as he was, did have a brain and a mouth...and he took both off safety.
"Yes it is a word. I would suggest you get a dictionary. You may not be able to think, but hopefully you can at least read."
The class were stunned. The weird kid was coming at Geoff. It didn't make Chip any more popular, in fact he was seen as arrogant, aloof, opinionated. But at that moment Chip really didn't care. He felt bullied and threatened, and when cornered, Chip fought like hell.
Geoff parried and fought back himself. "You always wear those
'peace' t-shirts. My dad says those people want Russia to take us over. They they are funded by Moscow, you probably like that...that....the jerk Russian President guy.."
Chip giggled. "Typical loud-mouthed white American. You don't even know the name of the Soviet President. When you learn his name and have a thought of your own....Then you might be able to reach my level. Until then...shut up....And just for you, my friend. I'll wear one of my peace shirts tomorrow."
After class Geoff walked up to Chip. Chip felt his body stiffen, like he was ready to coil to make a tackle.
"If you wear that shirt tomorrow, I'm going to jack you up little man."
Chip was shaking. He didn't like to fight, but this shaking was due to fear. It was due to anger. As much as the little boy sought peace, he didn't back down from a challenge.
Three E's Barber Shop -- 1pm Wednesday February 2, 1984
Ed just got done with another satisfied customer with the radio playing in the background. The "Soul of Omaha" KBWH blaring some latest R&B.
"Hey, Ed!" His partner Eric yelled out. "Telephone, man. Its your brother..."
"Which one," Ed laughed. "I have six of those."
Ed took the receiver, "Which one of the my knuckle-headed brothers is this?"
"It's Ralph, punk!"
"Whacha doin' rockhead."
"Nothing much, just on a little break from this endless alert thing going on."
"Still on stand-by?"
"Dig it lil brother. I'm waiting for the phone to ring, and I hope it never does."
Ed's older brother Ralph was always a leader. When they were kids, Ed was the receiver but Ralph was the quarterback. Ed was the point guard, but Ralph played center. He joined up in the Air Force right after high school, and got to learn how to fly...eventually good enough to be combat pilot. But a tour in Vietnam being shot at in an F-4 got him thinking about something else. He asked for a switch to learn to fly B-52s, and he worked his way into a BUFF. Now he runs his own ship, based at Eaker Air Force Base, Arkansas. The family's home state.
"Hey Ed," Ralph asked. "I wanna let you know I've moved Bunny and Dee down to Morrillton with the relatives until all this blows over."
"Okay," Ed said. "How much safer would they be Ralph? They have a base in Little Rock, too,
"They'd be an hour away from Little Rock. They'd at least be safe, brotha. Helluva lot safer than Eaker."
"Listen Ed, there something I gotta tell you and I may not have the chance later as much as they have us on lockdown."
"Shoot."
"I'm sending you a care package this week." Ralph said. "Some thing you may need to help get you through. You do have a shelter or something should...you know.."
"Well there what's under ma's house.."
"Hopefully that will do," Ralph answered. "I left some things there, too Ed."
"C'mon lets not be so quick to jump the gun here,"
"Now you are sounding like my damn wife," Ralph said in an irritated tone.
"Damn, Ralph what's your malfunction?"
"I had a fight with Bunny..."
"What the hell is new? You two always fussin'"
"It was over me sending her and my daughter to stay with Bobbi Jean and Melville down yonder. They wanted to stay, and i didn't want them here because I didn't want them to be targets here. I just wanted them safe, Ed."
For the first time in his life, Ed felt the fear in his big brother.
"If I'm in that plane and the call comes," Ralph said. "I most likely won't be back. I won't get to see them at the end anyway. I'll be somewhere over Russia knowing I have nothing to come back to. I can at least do what may need doing, knowing that the people I love are safe. I can die in peace that way."
There was a long pause, during which Ed faintly heard the news item. It was the growing unrest in Europe.
"Ralph?" Ed said. "You said its in the basement? I'll head over this week and check it out."
"Do that.."
The dinner table -- Walt's house -- 7:00pm
"Walt you are quiet tonight," Jennifer said to her husband. "Are you alright."
Walt's mind was spinning in facts and figures. The hot argument with the school officials. The cold calculus of what FEMA and NEMA were expecting. He looked around at his family. His lovely wife. His son...and his little Jill.
"Sorry honey, its just been tough day."
"Dad," his son Jeff asked. "I think there is something you aren't telling us. Does it have to do with the job.."
Walt was visibly frustrated. He just needed to vent, but not to his kids.
It came out anyway. "I'm scared, son," Walt said. "I'm really scared."
"Scared of what?"
"My job," Walt said. "My job is to protect people fromsomething that there is no protection against. And.... its getting to me right now."
Chip's bedroom -- 10:30pm --
"Tonight...the continuing crisis in Germany, after the KLM 146 disaster and the tough talk, how far will it go?....Good Evening, I'm Ted Koppel and this.....is Nightline."
Chip was being allowed to stay up to see this. As he packed his bags for another day at school.
"Amid the growing tensions in the world, the big question is how far will both NATO and the Warsaw Pact go to defend their interest and what could it all mean? We will have three guests tonight. Joining us from Moscow via Satellite, Vladimir Posner, lead commentator for Radio Moscow in the Soviet Union. Ironically, Posner spent his early years growing up in New York City. Joining us from Boston, Massachusetts noted astrophysicist Carl Sagan, and from Washington, Georgia Congressman Newton Gingrich.
Chip's dad walked into the room and sat down.
"First we'll turn to Mr. Posner. The Soviet Union tends to blame the west for everything however you could surely understand the American reaction. Two airliners in five month?"
"First off, Ted," Vladimir Posner began in his Central Park West accent, "The Soviet Union had nothing to do with sad events of KLM 146. Our military was not involved in any way. The Soviet people abhor aggression and we feel the United States is using this accident as a justification for aggression.."
"Now Vladimir," Koppel interview. "No matter what country the planes came from, it was under Soviet sanction, now how can you say what you just said given the fact of the case.."
"Ted," Posner answered. "The facts are that the airliner strayed into our airspace and didn't identify itself"
"I think the words KLM on the side are all the identifier you need," Congressman Gingrich interrupted. "This is just the Soviet Union lying to the world, again. This is the reality of the Soviet Union. They feel the rules don't apply to them anywhere in the world. That is why the Soviets are massing troops in East Germany now. Your politburo, your military Mr. Posner is sending the message that we are the USSR and we do what we please."
"And the message that Ronald Reagan sends in the return is 'We are America, we do what we please and interfere where we please, be it East Germany , be it Lebanon through your lackey state Israel, be it Grenada were a socialist government chosen in the way you Americans prescribe was overthrown by American militarism," Posner fired back.
Chip watched intently as his father looked on as well. Both looking at the Gingrich-Posner argument developing.
Koppel finally managed to regain control long enough to get Carl Sagan in the discussion. In is familiar delivery, Sagan framed the real issue.
"Ted, I am watching these two men. Both standing in the gasoline with their matches..and I'd like to ask both of them. Mr. Posner, Congressman Gingrich, and what point will this stop?" Carl Sagan asked. "Last year eminent scientists from both sides, including myself, have put forth graphic evidence that concludes that if you use these weapons you threaten the survival of the human species. Yet, both sides recklessly continue on this road to nowhere. Why should BILLIONS of the people of the world be held hostage by either of you? What gives either the United States or the Soviet Union the right to dictate the survival of our biosphere as if either of you own it. I find your bluster and your escalations arrogant. That arrogance will be the death of us all."
Chip was fired up. "YOU TELL 'EM, CARL!" he yelled to his TV.
Chip dad smiled at him, "Interesting that you say that, given that you are escalating something, too."
"Huh?"
"Don't huh me," his dad said. "You know what I'm talking about. Your mom told me."
His mom entered his room as he said that.
"Mrs. Germaine told me how you went after that boy, you were no different than this Gingrich person."
"Mom, he threatened me..I can't let it go without saying something."
Dad nodded, "He's right Gail. And I applaud that. Our son wasn't pushed around nor should he be."
But dad looked at Chip hard, "But son," he began. "You are acted no different that this two men on TV right now. He went after you, so you went after him. Yes, you may shown your smarts about it. But you used your weapons on him and the affect was so devastating that you backed him into a corner. It wasn't the time to do it, it could have been defused. But you escalated and he did..And tomorrow you will wear that shirt and you should. It is what you believe and you should defend. But I want you to show some class. Do not engage with this kid. He doesn't know what you know. Don't get into a pissing contest with a prick, son."
"My son, my son," Gail said as she hugged. "You have to stick for yourself. Stand your ground, but if he is backing away from the table. Let him do so with grace. I'm willing to bet that he doesn't want a fight anymore than you do."
"Mom, Dad...okay," Chip said. "I don't want a fight, but I don't like being called names for I believe in. I'm scared it going to get worse."
That night, Ed went to sleep. Slipped under the cover, spooning his wife. His brain was churning. Thinking of Ralph, Rick, his son...what he had heard on Nightline.
"Dear Lord," Ed thought. "Is the whole damn world going to bed scared like me?"
Thursday February 2, 1984
Chip is on the school bus for the trip west to Morton Junior High. His winter jacket zipped up. Underneath was his T-shirt saying "I SUPPORT THE WOMEN OF GREENHAM COMMON". He was doing what his dad suggested. Be smarter.
He went to second period...Mrs. Germaine's class...and Geoff was there. Chip walked in the room and took his seat. He said nothing to the other boy. He just heard he and his friend snicker, "He didn't wear a peace shirt..He backed down...little chicken" Chipper wanted to fire back, but he held it, and then he giggled. "Now I see, Dad," he thought.
Since Mrs. Germaine's class studied two subjects its two periods in the same room. It was early 3rd period when we went into the social studies. part of the class. The girl behind him asked him about his shirt.
"Who are the Women of Greenham Common?" she asked.
Chip answered. "They are a group of peace protestors in England. They are camping out at a base where our missiles are being sent to protest the missiles being there. They've been there for a while now from what I hear."
"The are camping out?"
"Yeah. They sleep in tents at the gates of the base and sometimes they try to block the shipments of the missiles are stop the mobile launchers when they practice firing them."
After the main lesson, Mrs. Germaine pulled out one of her surprises. Sometimes it was a pop quiz..But this day she had something different in mind.
"Today we're starting something new," Mrs. Germaine said. "I believe we should not only write well, she would be able to speak well and express our thoughts. So everyday somebody will have to give a short speech and something that matters to them. You never know who will be called on."
Mrs. Germaine had that look, and when she had that certain look, she was being really sly. Chip felt that cold fear in the pit of his stomach "She's about to put you on the spot again. I'm about to be picked on."
"To get this new idea started, I figured we all need to hear an expert show us how its done," Mrs. Germaine teased. "And I know just to the person to do this first....CHIP, YOU'RE UP! TELL ME ABOUT YOUR T-SHIRT."
"Miserable old hag," Chip thought to himself.
wooo hooo witchy woman, see how
high she flies
woo hoo witchy woman she got
the moon in her eye
Chip stood in front of the class, and began as only his could. "My T-Shirt, which I said I'd wear today..". He was tempted to look at Geoff, but didnt do it. He would play it Mom and Dad's way.
"The Women of Greenham Common are a group of women from England who are camped out in front of an air force base...RAF Greenham Common. That base is where our cruise missiles are. These people don't like the missile being there, so in protest they camp out there. They've sometimes been arrested for camping out. They, at times, have blocked shipments coming into the base. Or blocked the mobile launchers from going out for practice and drills."
Geoff looked at Chip with a look that was part smirk, part confusion. He thought Chip had backed down. He thought wrong.
"Why do you support them?"
"Because I agree that nobody wins a nuclear war, so why have one?"
After class, Geoff confronted Chip. "You aren't worth it," Geoff said. His little flunkies agreed.
Chip looked him in the eye defiantly and then Geoff walked away.
"Hey Chip," it was Dina the girl who sat behind him. "I just want to say, thanks for sticking up for me yesterday."
"Okay."
"And you aren't the only one here who think the way you do. You aren't alone. See ya at lunch.."
At lunch period. Chip met a few friends of Dina's. A group of kid who were kinda dressed well...they had the punk groove going. Which was a massive departure to Chip in a lot of ways...But a look at their buttons and shirts put them on the same wavelength."
"I just wanna say that t-shirt is cool, man" the boy said. "My name's Matt..."
The two boys shook hands.
"You going to that march this weekend?"
"I plan on it," Chip said. "How do you know about it."
"It's because of my favorite aunt," Matt said. "She knows this stuff, and I did some reading on what she was talking about at the library and I agree with her. My Auntie Carolina wants me to grow up. I want to grow up."
to be continued.
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