Word: dragstrip
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...yards of Middle America. The two hot-rod drivers are enacting the Automobile Age's axiom of machismo: Speed thrills. Ten seconds later, the cars barrel across the finish line and the winner steps out, shaking her shoulder-length hair, allowing herself a tight, triumphant smile. Shirley Muldowney, dragstrip...
Republican John Tower of Texas, committee chairman and a supporter of the dragstrip approach, acidly noted that the hardened silos would hardly make the MX invulnerable. "What is recommended does not enhance the survivability of the MX missile," he asserted. Democrat Henry Jackson of Washington argued that by shielding the MXs in fixed silos, "we're giving the Soviets a better target." Weinberger quickly fired back: "I don't agree, Senator." The Secretary pointed out that the silos solution was only temporary, and that strengthening the silos did protect the missiles. Said Weinberger: "Whatever we gain is worth...
...damaging doubts came not from a Senator but from the man sitting next to Weinberger at the hearings. Dressed smartly in a blue Air Force uniform with four gleaming silver stars, General David C. Jones, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, candidly admitted that he still favored the dragstrip approach. "I remain to be convinced that the alternative provides survivability," said Jones. "I reserve judgment whether it would be wise to go ahead with hardening." The general hastily added that he and the other service chiefs fully support Reagan's decision. "I found out a long time...
Ford's most surprising move is the re-introduction of the 1960s-style "muscle car." An optional turbocharged, V-8 en gine (17 m.p.g.) will power some Mustangs and Capris from 0 m.p.h. to 60 m.p.h. in 7.5 seconds. That kind of dragstrip macho has been virtually extinct since the end of the era of 300-per-gal. gasoline...