While there are plenty of things to say about Reagan, I found this one perhaps the most terrifying. In late 1983, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. came extremely close to World War III. And the world never knew just how close it was until years later.

All that tough-talk Reagan loved had the Soviets convinced that the bubble was going to go up any minute. They reacted accordingly, going so far as to put a number of nuclear-capable planes on standby alert at East German airfields. One should not play such games with cornered bears. Especially ones armed to the teeth with nukes.

Reagan lived in a different world than the one we live in now. Some would rightfully argue that Reagan lived in a different world then – his own. It’s insane how willing America was to accept global nuclear war as an option – the kind of thinking which seemed to dominate during Reagan’s tenure. I only hope we’ve turned that corner for good, though I won’t breathe easier until the Reagan leftovers populating the current White House have moved on.

So long, Ronnie. There’ll never be another like you. Some of us sleep easier because of that.