Seek Peace--But Prepare for War

The Templar Pundit linked to a great speech--by a Democrat:

In the past 3 years we have increased the defense budget of the United States by over 20 percent; increased the program of acquisition for Polaris submarines from 24 to 41; increased our Minuteman missile purchase program by more than 75 percent; doubled the number of strategic bombers and missiles on alert; doubled the number of nuclear weapons available in the strategic alert forces; increased the tactical nuclear forces deployed in Western Europe by over 60 percent; added five combat ready divisions to the Army of the United States, and five tactical fighter wings to the Air Force of the United States; increased our strategic airlift capability by 75 percent; and increased our special counterinsurgency forces. . . I hope those who want a stronger America and place it on some signs will also place those figures next to it.

This is not an easy effort. This requires sacrifice by the people of the United States. But this is a very dangerous and uncertain world. As I said earlier, on three occasions in the last 3 years the United States has had a direct confrontation. No one can say when it will come again. No one expects that our life will be easy, certainly not in this decade, and perhaps not in this century. But we should realize what a burden and responsibility the people of the United States have borne for so many years. . .

So this country, which desires only to be free, which desires to be secure, which desired to live at peace for 18 years under three different administrations, has borne more than its share of the burden, has stood watch for more than its number of years. I don't think we are fatigued or tired. We would like to live as we once lived. But history will not permit it.

I agree completely. Unfortunately for us all, these words were delivered in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 22, 1963. It was the last public appearance of President John F. Kennedy.

To be sure, I'm not canonizing Kennedy. Rather, my point is that Democrats have U-turned since then. Not since President Kennedy has the left had a leader who understood the need for strength. And the retirements of Scoop Jackson and Sam Nunn emptied the Democrat bench of players -- other than the widely ignored Joe Lieberman -- familiar with, and supporting of, defense and security policy.

Unless and until that changes, I won't support a Dem. I'm not alone. Our country, our institutions and -- most importantly -- our people should and must be preserved. We all -- Republican and Democrat, conservative and liberal -- abhor war. Nevertheless, absent toughness and preparation, negotiation may evolve into appeasement. And appeasement's failed every time, including under Carter and Clinton. As I wrote last year, "appeasement works like Pavlov's bell--it makes murderers hungry for more." It also seems to leave its advocates bereft of brains and history.

Peace isn't worth any price--not where the other side promises servitude and suspended rights. I'm not confident any prominent Democrat appreciates that point. 'Till they do, trusting today's anti-JFK Democrats is a risk too far.