“My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes.”
Explanation
This quote was not an official statement but an off-the-cuff joke made by Ronald Reagan during a microphone soundcheck before a radio broadcast in 1984. It was never intended for public release, but it was leaked and widely reported, causing considerable controversy. Delivered at the height of the Cold War, the remark was seen by many as reckless given the global tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, where any hint of nuclear aggression could spark panic or diplomatic backlash.
Reagan, known for his wit and theatrical background, often used humor to disarm critics and connect with audiences. However, in this case, the joke touched on a deeply sensitive geopolitical issue: nuclear war. The Soviet Union did not take the comment lightly, and it was used in their propaganda to depict Reagan as dangerous and flippant. The incident highlighted how words—even in jest—carry serious weight in international affairs, particularly when spoken by a head of state.
In today’s media environment, where recordings can go viral in seconds, the quote serves as a cautionary tale about the power of unintended public speech. While Reagan later downplayed the incident, it underscores the need for careful communication in diplomacy, especially when dealing with adversaries in volatile contexts. It remains a memorable moment in Cold War history—a blend of Reagan’s characteristic humor and the perilous backdrop of nuclear tension.
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