In preparation for either of these methods of attack, they stir up class strife and disorder. They use the method of subversion and internal revolution, and they use the method of external aggression. The Soviet imperialists have two ways of going about their destructive work.
LIBERTY AND UNION SPEECH CENTRAL IDEA FREE
The present rulers of the Soviet Union have shown that they are willing to use this power to destroy the free nations and win domination over the whole world. It has kept its subject peoples and its economy in a state of perpetual mobilization. It has complete control of the men and equipment of its satellites. It has a large air force and a strong submarine force. It is keeping millions of men under arms. This new imperialism has powerful military forces. The imperialism of the czars has been replaced by the even more ambitious, more crafty, and more menacing imperialism of the rulers of the Soviet Union. But I am sorry to say that has not been the case. We had hoped that the Soviet Union, with its security assured by the Charter of the United Nations, would be willing to live and let live. No threat to the security of any nation is concealed in our plans and programs. We want only peace in the world-peace for all countries. The free nations do not have any aggressive purpose. No one nation can find protection in a selfish search for a safe haven from the storm. Their only security lies in banding together. The threat is a total threat and the danger is a common danger.Īll free nations are exposed and all are in peril. The gun that points at them points at us, also. Indeed, the state of our Nation is in great part the state of our friends and allies throughout the world. This threat is aimed at all peoples who strive to win or defend their own freedom and national independence. The threat of world conquest by Soviet Russia endangers our liberty and endangers the kind of world in which the free spirit of man can survive. They are fighting to protect our right to meet here today-our right to govern ourselves as a free nation. Our men are fighting a long way from home, but they are fighting for our lives and our liberties. Our men are fighting, alongside their United Nations allies, because they know, as we do, that the aggression in Korea is part of the attempt of the Russian Communist dictatorship to take over the world, step by step. We pay tribute to their courage, devotion, and gallantry. We must all act together as citizens of this great Republic.Īs we meet here today, American soldiers are fighting a bitter campaign in Korea. We will succeed, but we must all do our part. I am confident that we can succeed in the great task that lies before us. We are able to produce more than ever before-in fact, far more than any country ever produced in the history of the world. We have more men and women at work than ever before. Our democratic institutions are sound and strong. I know that from these debates there will come the great decisions needed to carry us forward.Īt this critical time, I am glad to say that our country is in a healthy condition. I know that your debates will be earnest, responsible, constructive, and to the point. I know that the 82d Congress will meet this challenge in a way worthy of our great heritage.
We can meet it timidly or bravely, shamefully or honorably. We can meet this challenge foolishly or wisely. These actions will measure the ability of a free people, acting through their chosen representatives and their free institutions, to meet a deadly challenge to their way of life. The actions you take will be watched by the whole world. This 82d Congress faces as grave a task as any Congress in the history of our Republic.
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