Post to my Blog, March 16 of Interview concerning Cold War: Interview with Bob Schiffo March 14, 2013 Birthdate:

July 26, 1940 Places lived: 1945: Vallejo, Ca. 1946-1959: Bronx, NY...1959-1983.Florida.1984-present Me: What was the first time you remember hearing about the Soviet Union (or the USSR) and its conflict with the United States? Tell me about it. Bob: I remember the Soviet Union as being an enemy of the United States and there being conflict. Me: What do you remember seeing or reading in the news about the Cold War? Bob: It was on the news a lot when I grew up, and atom bomb threat was mentioned a lot. Me: What books did you read or movies did you watch that villainized the Soviet Union or dealt with the Cold War? How did they shape your impressions at that time? Bob: The Hunt for Red October was a recent movie with the Russians as an enemy, I believe. I remember other movies with the Soviet Union as an enemy, but I do not recall the names. Me: What were you taught in school and at home about the Soviet Union? What did your school and family teach about nuclear threats and nuclear war? Bob: I remember having under desk drills in grammar school for atom bomb attacks. Me: Were you or any of your family members ever afraid that there w ould be a hot war or nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union? When did you feel that way? If yes, did you do anything to prepare or get ready for it? Bob; No, I do not remember being especially afraid. Me: What aspects of the Space Race do you remember? Was "Space Race" a phrase that you remember using at the time? What did it mean to you? Bob: I remember the Soviet satellite launch and the United States was surprised and we wanted to catch up. Me: How was the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union promoted in sports? Can you think of any specific examples? Bob: The boycott of the 1980 Olympics comes to mind. Me: Do you remember the Berlin Wall coming down? How did it make you feel? How have your feelings about that era changed since 1989 and the Berlin Wall coming down?

Bob: Yes. I remember the Berlin Wall going up and coming down. It was a great event with a lot of positive excitement. Me: How do you think future generations will remember the Cold War? What lessons should students today take away from the Cold War? Bob: The Cold War was a different kind of war, and we should be thankful no nuclear attack took place. Me: How does psychological warfare today compare to psychological warfare during the C old War? Bob: Today we are more concerned with terrorist attacks. Me: How do you view the relationship between the United States and Russia today? Bob: I see no problems. Me: Do you think a war like the Cold War will return again one day and why or why not? Bob: I dont think it is likely. I believe if something like it happened again, it would be a big mess. Maybe the end for us all. Me: Mr. Schiffo, Thank you for your time and helping me with this interview. Reflection: I was surprised that he was not more scared of being nuked when growing up. I feel a Russian adult would have viewed us as the enemy and they probably had under desk drills in their classroom also.