Monday, October 30, 2017

Today In History October 30, 1938 - The Invasion

On October 30, 1938, within minutes after 8:00 PM and due to a nationally broadcast radio program, millions of Americans actually believed we had been aided by aliens from Mars.

"Sunday evening in 1938 was prime-time in the golden age of radio, and millions of Americans had their radios turned on. But most of these Americans were listening to ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and his dummy “Charlie McCarthy” on NBC and only turned to CBS at 8:12 p.m. after the comedy sketch ended and a little-known singer went on. By then, the story of the Martian invasion was well underway..."


"An announcer reported that widespread panic had broken out in the vicinity of the landing sites, with thousands desperately trying to flee. In fact, that was not far from the truth.

Perhaps as many as a million radio listeners believed that a real Martian invasion was underway. Panic broke out across the country. In New Jersey, terrified civilians jammed highways seeking to escape the alien marauders. People begged police for gas masks to save them from the toxic gas and asked electric companies to turn off the power so that the Martians wouldn’t see their lights. One woman ran into an Indianapolis church where evening services were being held and yelled, “New York has been destroyed! It’s the end of the world! Go home and prepare to die!" More here.

I do not know about you but if it actually happened today - an alien invasion that is not the broadcast - I am uncertain as to whether or not I would try to flee or remain in my home and defend it and planet earth the best I could do. My guns, ammo and food are at home and each would take a lot of room in the Toyota Corolla so chances I would stand my ground and load for bear.

All the best,
Glenn B

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