Cuban missile crisis – Sandy Rosenberg

Two ancient history lessons today.

During the Cuban missile crisis, Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet leader, sent President Kennedy two messages. One was belligerent, the other was not.

Kennedy responded to the second.

The crisis was solved without shots (or missiles) being fired.

I met with an advocate this morning and attended a press conference on a related issue later in the day.

My advice to the advocate: respond to the rhetoric that was consistent with your goal. Don’t get flustered by the talk that was not.

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Legislation limiting the use of guns on college campuses will be debated on the House floor tomorrow.

Consequently, gun rights supporters were demonstrating in front of the State House today.

One yelled at me, “Socialist Rosenberg.”

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted of espionage in the 1950’s and executed.

Julius was a Communist. Most historians have concluded that Ethel was framed.

I am not now nor have I ever been related to Julius Rosenberg.

Who’s copied on an email can be as important as the content of the message.

A House staffer sent me his evaluation of the amendments to a bill that I’m very interested in.

A Senate staffer was also copied on the message.

I asked the House staffer the significance. As I thought, the Senate staffer’s boss was interested in seeing the bill pass.

Welcome aboard.

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Speaking of being cc:’d…

A tough letter can contain an olive branch.

Over the years, I have been copied on such letters. Respond to the positive offer, I always advise the person to whom it was addressed.

There is historical precedent for this.

During the Cuban missile crisis, Khrushchev sent two cables to President Kennedy. One was belligerent, the other was conciliatory. JFK responded to the latter, and a deal was struck.

February 28

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A wise choice and Socialist Rosenberg

Who’s copying whom?

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