Vidal: 'Meaning of the Cold War'

Gore Vidal speaking about the National Security State at the National Press Club in 1998.

He opens by saying he wishes to speak about, "The origins of the American empire and the meaning of the Cold War.  How it started, who started it, and who benefits."

This is great history for us as we head to Russia for our Global Network study tour.  Note the parts about the US-UK-Soviet meeting at the Livada Palace in Yalta, Crimea which we will visit.  Vidal makes certain to mention that the US walked away from the agreements struck at that historic meeting.

Even though this speech was made 21 years ago it holds up quite well in the present time.

We were lucky to have a man of such intelligence, honesty and wit.  He is surely missed.

Bruce