Good morning.
Thursday’s forecast calls for thunderstorms and a high of eighty-seven.
On September 19, 1959, during a visit to the United States, Soviet Premier Khrushchev has a fit because he couldn’t visit Disneyland:
In one of the more surreal moments in the history of the Cold War, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev explodes with anger when he learns that he cannot visit Disneyland. The incident marked the climax of Khrushchev’s day in Los Angeles, one that was marked by both frivolity and tension.
Khrushchev arrived in the United States on September 15 for an extended visit and a summit meeting with President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Soviet leader indicated a desire to see Hollywood and a visit was arranged. On September 19, Khrushchev and his wife arrived in Los Angeles. The day began pleasantly enough, with a tour of the Twentieth Century Fox Studios in Hollywood. The Soviet premier was taken on to the sound stage for the movie “Can-Can” and was immediately surrounded by the cast of the film, including Shirley MacLaine and Juliet Prowse. MacLaine greeted Khrushchev in broken Russian and then attempted to engage the premier in an impromptu dance. Khrushchev jovially begged off and then stood by while the cast members performed a number from the film. Frank Sinatra was brought in to serve as an unofficial master of ceremonies for the visit, and he later lunched with an obviously delighted Khrushchev.
Things began to unravel when Twentieth Century Fox President Spyros P. Skouras introduced Khrushchev at Los Angeles Town Hall. Almost immediately, Skouras, who was an ardent anticommunist, irritated Khrushchev by referring to the premier’s famous statement that Russia would “bury” capitalism. Skouras declared that Los Angeles was not particularly interested in “burying” anyone, but would meet the challenge if posed. Khrushchev’s famous temper quickly flared. He charged that Skouras’s remarks were part of a campaign to heckle him during his trip to America. The plan, Khrushchev suggested, was to needle him, “rub” America’s strength in his face, and make him “a little shaky in the knees.” Addressing Skouras directly, Khrushchev stated, “If you want to go on with the arms race, very well. We accept that challenge. As for the output of rockets–well, they are on the assembly line. This is a most serious question. It is one of life or death, ladies and gentlemen. One of war and peace.”
Khrushchev’s anger increased when he learned that he would not be allowed to visit Disneyland. Government authorities feared that the crowds would pose a safety hazard for the premier. Khrushchev, still fuming about the debate with Skouras, exploded. “And I say, I would very much like to go and see Disneyland. But then, we cannot guarantee your security, they say. Then what must I do? Commit suicide? What is it? Is there an epidemic of cholera there or something? Or have gangsters taken hold of the place that can destroy me?” Khrushchev left Los Angeles the next morning.
If Khrushchev wanted to see something like Disneyland, then he should have permitted a society that had creative and economic wherewithal like America’s.
Scientific American‘s trivia question asks about scientific achievement. (Clicking on the question leads to its answer.)
The first American woman to win an unshared Nobel Prize did so in what year?
Oh, the dualism. Mindcontrol-land/world without question represents the epitome of Capitalism. Or does it?? One eagerly pays a hundred times more for a t-shirt displaying the likeness of a certain mouse (which shall remain nameless in this comment in fear I will be forever removed from my family and home.) One such kingdom is seriously considering an extra charge in ticket prices for a pass to skip to the front of the long lines for rides, shows and other attractions. I wonder if my local grocery store would let me do that since I’m clearly buying more than the poor woman in front of me who can only afford a loaf of white (gasp!) bread.
Perhaps Krushchev should have been let in to the theme park. Mind-control Kingdom just might have welcomed his philosophies of freedom-robbing submission and conformity – or was that the other way round?
Altogether more disturbing is Whitewater Middle School’s 8th grade class trip to the magic (of defying liberty) kingdom where the criteria for students’ acceptance is based upon a career that can only be chosen from the Disney Career website!! (I guess they couldn’t pass off the trip as a science-based experience anymore. ) And do you think they’d list anarchist as a career option?
No, you’d never catch the likes of me handing my mind over to such highway robbers as Mikey and Moanie (again -I love my family and home).
Perhaps Krushchev should have visited the Grand Canyon, or Yellowstone, or Yosemite. He probably would have gotten more out of our national parks than going nearly broke for a bit of make believe put on by actors and staff who are treated more like slaves than employees. On the other hand, he might have felt right at home.
Well, Mildred, I agree with you about the places Khrushchev should have wanted to visit – but what does it say about even a Soviet leader that he had a fit over Disneyland?
As for your family, I hope you’ll not be in too much trouble for your suggestions!
Now if Yosemite had a mascot, something plush, suitable for toys and lunchboxes….