Dr. NoSleep

There was nothing written on the cover except for a date, though it was so smeared that I couldn't make out what it said.

The tape itself was in decent condition, with just a few surface scratches on the front.

The only thing written on the label were the words, Presidential Address.

It took me a bit to find the old VHS player I had stored in my basement.

Keep in mind, this is the 21st century, and like most people, I don't watch a lot of cassette tapes.

I was worried that whatever was on the tape would be something incredibly illegal or shocking.

You don't expect random strangers to actually send you anything decent in the mail.

and the bizarre way they talked about it gave me the impression I'd be disgusted by what I'd see.

But by playing the tape, I saw nothing unusual.

In fact, out of context, it was like I was watching home video footage of then President Ronald Reagan sitting in the Oval Office.

The only thing that seemed even slightly out of place was Reagan seemed almost defeated in his expression.

Granted, I wasn't around during Reagan's presidency,

But even I could tell that the look of weariness and exhaustion spread across his face wasn't something he was known for.

It looked alien on him, especially by the way he stared at the camera.

He sat there for some moments before he spoke.

My fellow Americans, I would like to thank you for sharing your time with me tonight.

as we prepare for one of the most difficult challenges our great nation has ever faced.

Tomorrow will be a day of great struggle, both for the United States and millions of families across the country.

From New York to California, from sea to shining sea, every man, woman, and child has been called upon to act with dignity, strength, and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

I understand that, in these desperate times, there are many among you who are deeply apprehensive about what must be done.