While most of us were too young or not even born when the movie, The Day the Earth Stood Still, first gripped audiences in 1951, it is really worth seeing . . . as its message still rings loud and clear. Even older children, including teenagers, should be made to sit down and watch this black and white sci-fi movie minus present day's special effects dynamics. (The fine acting, storyline and coming together for survival sake are what all should focus on anyway.)
Now, here is my what if...
Imagine waking up one day to find out that an unknown large asteroid had been detected on a collision course with the earth . . . where it would land in the Arabian Sea near the entrance to the Persian Gulf. The end result would be worldwide destruction with several billions dying, but not the extinction of the human race.
Now, the good news is that there could be a chance to deflect its path with the use of missiles, but it would require nuclear payloads equal to all the weapons grade inventories from all countries, including North Korea, India, and Pakistan. However, the launch of the missiles must occur within six months.
We should all be able to visualize the ensuing panic . . . followed by the desire from the overwhelming majority of the informed to do whatever it takes. Unfortunately, there would still be many questions like...
- What will leaders of the various "nuclear" countries do? And can all be convinced to do so in time?
- Will there be unnecessary pointing of fingers for political purposes both internally and internationally? Would the United Nations actually become what it was meant to be?
- Will terrorist attacks end if the asteroid doesn't hit due to all uniting to save the earth or will it resume more viciously with the perceived change in what any given country could now do? Will loyalty of religious association / faith continue to prevail and be used as a reason for terrorism over a core belief in God?
Nor will I venture into potential ramifications for all others relative to their belief in God. It is best to let each reader to do so themselves.
I just hope a worldwide disaster that threatens billions of human lives is not the answer to… "What will it take?"
Note: Two more what ifs...
(1) The United States political process and its citizens allowing a Hitler or Saddam type to become President.
(2) Hitler waiting until Germany had functional atomic bombs before starting WWII.
