1970s, Address to Congress (12 August 1974)
Context: A strong defense is the surest way to peace. Strength makes détente attainable. Weakness invites war, as my generation—my generation—knows from four very bitter experiences. Just as America's will for peace is second to none, so will America's strength be second to none. We cannot rely on the forbearance of others to protect this Nation. The power and diversity of the Armed Forces, active Guard and Reserve, the resolve of our fellow citizens, the flexibility in our command to navigate international waters that remain troubled are all essential to our security.
“In war, the strong make slaves of the weak, and in peace the rich makes slaves of the poor.”
“A lot of what we experience as strength comes from knowing what to do with weakness.”
Source: Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America
1951 General Election Address (8 October 1951) http://www.margaretthatcher.org/document/100912
1950s
Simon O'Hagan "Credo:Peter Blake", http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4159/is_20051120/ai_n15851377 The Independent on Sunday, 2005-11-20. Accessed from findarticles.com, 2007-01-22
Art
“Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U. S. was too strong.”
The Things They Carried (1990), How to Tell a True War Story
Address at the time of launching ceremony of PNS 'Dilawar' on Jan 23, 1948
Context: The weak and the defenceless, in this imperfect world, invite aggression from others. The best way in which we can serve the cause of peace is by removing the temptation from the path of those who think that we are weak and, therefore, they can bully or attack us. That temptation can only be removed if we make ourselves so strong that nobody dares entertain any aggressive designs against us.
Source: Your Forces and How to Use Them (1912), Chapter 14, p. 210
