Dear Editor:

Si vis pacem para bellum. Loosely translated, that is Latin for, “If you want peace, prepare for war.” Throughout the 1930s England sought peace so fervently that they reduced their military and ignored the bellicose actions of Germany and Italy. Some have said that we learn from history that we do not learn. Recently, our president announced a new strategy regarding the use of nuclear weapons. We will substantially narrow the conditions under which the United States would use nuclear weapons. The United States is committed not to use nuclear weapons, says the president, against any nonnuclear states that are in compliance with the nuclear nonproliferation treaty, even if they attacked us with biological or chemical weapons.

What kept us safe during the Cold War was the fact that the Soviets did not know whether we would actually use nukes or not. Even if we never intended to use these terrible weapons, at least we kept our enemies and potential enemies off balance. Now, we are telegraphing our strategy. We are telegraphing our weakness. Have we not learned? Tyrants fear strength and they prey on weakness. Setting the example by disarming would be dumb. Never let the enemy think you are afraid to wade in and fight to the death. Oh, that’s a terrible thing to say. Perhaps, but history tells us that weakness is always taken advantage of by the bad guys of the world.

Here is another incident where our president is undermining our power and prestige in the world. He has already said we are not a Christian nation. He has already apologized for us. He has already publicly called us arrogant.

Now, he is telling the world that we are willing to risk losing the first battle of the next war because we are too nice to use nuclear weapons. He believes we must set the example. I don’t hear him asking North Korea to set the example. And he actually believes that when he talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad he will be able to turn him from terrorism and hatred of Israel and America. Talk about arrogant.

Come on, America. Wake up! We are being led by someone who is embarrassed to be called an American. So, now we tell the world about our new nuclear strategy. Weakness breeds contempt, but strength breeds respect.

If you are tired of this embarrassment, join the LaGrange Patriots. We support the rule of law and a strong Constitution, individual liberty and fiscal responsibility. We are not ashamed to be called Americans. Join us at our governor’s candidate forum at 7 p.m. April 29 at Hoofers at 3472 Hogansville Road in LaGrange. Be informed. Hear the candidates. Make good choices. Also visit our new Web site at www.lagrangepatriots.org. Si vis pacem para bellum.

Ford McLain

South Lewis Street, LaGrange