I am sure everyone recognizes the title of this missive from the admonition of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. That act by a belligerent Imperial Japan thrust America into a War fought in two theaters of operation. It was a war against a clear and present evil that had to be resoundingly defeated and would cost the lives of many Americans. However, this Nation, which had sought to avoid involvement in World War II, answered the call to arms on the kinetic battlefield and back home.
Americans chose courage and sacrifice and were focused on the end state, unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan. We are unified as one, and I can speak to that personally, being the son of a World War II veteran. For Americans, fear or failure was not an option. And today, we Americans must dig deep and exhibit that same level of commitment.
Our once great Nation that produced and manufactured so very much has fallen behind. We have become enamored with having cheaper goods and surrendering our abilities to other Nations, some of whom are our stated adversaries. The lesson from the Cold War was that we defeated the Soviet Union economically, not militarily. That led to the collapse of the Soviet Union and its designs on global socialist, communist hegemony in ruin. However, the lesson that a country like China realized was that it should not compete with the West economically but seek to insert itself into the global economy and leverage that for its hegemonic vision...which they call the One Belt, One Road strategy.
We consented to China entering the WTO and granted a communist regime the status of the most favored trade nation. They have now usurped our supply chains in multiple industries. The most disconcerting is the aspect of healthcare personal protection equipment and drugs. Yes, we have trade deficits, which go along with immense and problematic deficit spending, fueling an alarming national debt of $36T. Back in 1961, when I was born, the US debt was approximately $463B.
I hear so many pontifications about President Trump moving too fast. “These tariffs are leading us to economic failure—look at Wall Street.” It makes me ponder if America is a resilient Nation or if we have succumbed to the immediate gratification, soundbite, and fast food mentality that put us into this position. We can ill afford to continue to be a Nation that does policy and strategy in election cycles, only looking out 2-4 years. Leadership is about having a vision and the courage to speak the truth to the people about what they need to hear.
The class of elected politicians thrives on being chicken littles. They fearmonger to maintain an insidious status quo for which they do not seek to resolve, offer solutions, or rectify. We cannot do anything bold and courageous, ya know, Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat! Politicians continue to tell people what they think they want to hear to win a popularity contest that comes about every 2-4 years, and then we ask why America is in this situation.
The military teaches you that when you are in an ambush, you get off the "X," meaning out of the ambush zone. If you dither in taking action, troops will die. If you fail to take action, troops will die. If you are bold in taking action and command to attack your way out of the ambush, you will lose some troops, but you will get off the X and regain the initiative. America must regain an economic initiative. We cannot be like the Roman empire that outsourced everything outside to other lands. They ceased producing and manufacturing and even sought others to serve in their Legions. Recall it was Democrat Senator Dick Durbin who suggested we allow illegal immigrants to serve in our military to make up for recruitment shortfalls.
There are even those who are shaking fearfully that if we take these actions, which President Trump said during his campaign, there will be an electoral bloodbath for Republicans in 2026. If there are chuckleheads who want to see Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries in leadership in our Congress, you're delusional. Hey, maybe we will have Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as House Committee Chairs? Really, is that what we would want to see happen?
In the movie The Matrix, the lead character, Neo, is told about the red or blue pill. The blue pill enabled one to stay in the make-believe world. The red pill opened your eyes and allowed you to see the real world. I say we have two choices: we can choose to be a victim and take the blue pill or decide to be a victim and take the red pill. Victims live in fear and subjugation and are prevented from enjoying all that life can offer. Victors are bold and fearless and seek out challenges and trials. The depression and hard times had shaped the generation that fought and won World War II. I know; my Dad told me what it was like. I think there is an appropriate quote from G. Michael Hopf that says, “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And weak men create hard times.”
I will not give any credence to weak men; that is not the American way. If we cannot find it within ourselves to make a sacrifice, then China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Islamic jihadists, and narco-terrorists...along with other despots and autocrats, win.
Thomas Paine inspired us in the early days of our Revolutionary War, “These are the times which try Men's souls. The summer Soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country, but he that stands by it now deserves the love and thanks of man and women. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered, yet we have this consolation with us: the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain is too cheap and esteem it too lightly: dearness only gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods, and it would be strange if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV): “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Americans are not descendants of fearful men and women! Steadfast and Loyal!