"For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed."
2007-11-26 10:47:05 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
they won't attack someone that can hurt them back more than they can hurt us.
It's like Teddy Roosevelt said: "Talk softly, but carry a BIG STICK".
2007-11-26 10:51:00 · answer #1 · answered by Mike 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A fallacy, this quote, IMO.
Just another way of making military contractors rich. Arming ourselves well beyond our needs, just like always. Who needs 30,000 hydrogen warheads anyway?
If anything I think such a philosophy does just the opposite---guarantees wars.
After all, we've been armed beyond all comprehension since 1945 and we've been at war just about every year since that time. How would JFK explain that, I wonder?
2007-11-26 10:52:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed."
I think anyone who sees that as the foundation for peace will appreciate why countries like Iran and North Korea want to follow the example of Russia, the US and China. And furthermore, why they should... and are morally entitled to.
2007-11-26 10:56:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It was a response to the cold war threat .
Always better to "bargain " from a position of power.
The idea being ,that any agression against the US would be met w/ such overpowering force that it would be a futile effort.
Hopefully a potential agressor would know not to test the theory & "no shots would be fired"
Failing that, the MAD doctrine ( Mutually Assured Destruction)
Would make any war unwinnable.
These days ...not so sure that theory would work.
Best regards
2007-11-26 12:10:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a rewording of an old Tsun Tsu (not sure on spelling) quote.
The best defense is a strong offense. The book is "The Art of War".
You'll find as you grow older that a lot of famous quotes are nothing more than re-hashes of the words of greater or older men.
2007-11-26 10:56:56 · answer #5 · answered by Ricky J. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
During the Cuban missile crisis we were threatened of an attack by Communist Germany and Russia with Cuba being the closest country that could hide the weapons. President Kennedy knew if we showed our power they wouldn't have the guts to even think of doing this. It was during the cold war and tension was so high. I remember being in first grade and having drills of hiding under our desks in case of attack. Aren't you glad he was a strong president who didn't take crap from them?
2007-11-26 10:58:08 · answer #6 · answered by luteachris 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SOUNDS LIKE THE CUBA MISSILE CRISIS. 1962. TALKING ABOUT WORLD WAR AND RUSSIA. THE ARMS RACE.
ARMS BEING NUCLEAR WEAPONS. SUFFICIENT BEYOND DOUBT-MORE THEN ENOUGH.
NEVER BE EMPLOYED--HAVE TO USE THEM--SO MANY IT WOULD HAVE MASSIVE DESTRUCTION.
2007-11-26 10:55:06 · answer #7 · answered by ahsoasho2u2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey laid down that Gem after taking a couple of shots of Irish Whiskey.
Some of his quotes were great, and some sounded as if he had a little bit too much liquor.
2007-11-26 10:56:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He saying the biggest dog doesnt get bit. So be the big dog and you dont have to bite anyone. Unfortunately it isnt true. Big dogs get bit from behind, or when they're sleeping.
2007-11-26 10:55:12 · answer #9 · answered by David M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello, this sounds like a great quote used by JFK
2007-11-26 10:50:45 · answer #10 · answered by Georgyboy 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Liberals use to be Cold War warriors.
2007-11-26 10:52:59 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋