Sputnik Is Irrelevant (PJW)

October 10th, 1957
Addressing a crowd in front of the White House, Press Secretary Alphonzo E. Bell downplayed concerns over the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union. Sputnik is the world's first artificial satellite, and having been launched by the Soviets, raises worry that the adversary from across the sea possesses far better technology than the United States. "This 'technological gap'", the press secretary stated, "is nothing but a myth". Despite Bell's downplaying, there is still evidence of the Soviets' technological advantage, such as training and educating far more scientists than in the United States.

"The fact remains that launching a piece of metal into space does not diminish the size, the ability, and the will of the United States Army, the largest land force in the history of the world. It does diminish the skill and courage of the Navy, the Marines, or the Air Force. Sputnik is irrelevant in the face of the overwhelming power the United States military possesses."

Upon asked about the possibility of nuclear missile launches from the Soviet Union to the United States, Bell downplayed fears about that worrisome thought as well. "The Soviets know a nuclear attack will result in an all-out war, and the full unleashing of our armed forces, and the armed forces of our allies in Europe and Asia as well. A nuclear launch might give us a black eye, but our response will knock out the Soviets."

The "black eye" comment was criticized by leading scientists, responding with "A 'black eye' might seem trivial, but the destruction of a city would mean the death of millions. And it only took two 'black eyes' for Japan to surrender."

But for now, the Wayne Administration is disregarding the satellite launch, instead opting to improve the domestic situation on home soil, which is currently gripped by the split response to the racial violence in Little Rock.