By J. Robert Smith
- May 27, 2024
- 2-min read
Today, we honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives to either defend the nation, or in the case of the Revolution, create the nation. According to Statista, approximately 1.3 million soldiers died fighting for liberty or protecting it.
While Memorial Day has become the traditional holiday weekend kickoff to summer – a time for pool openings and cookouts – take a minute to remember those who served us, many of whom were young men. They surrendered their lives. They’d never know the joys and challenges of living to ripe, old ages. Remember them in prayer. Remember them.
And, remember, that wars are ugly and destructive affairs. Modern wars can be catastrophic. Our presidents and members of Congress must dedicate themselves to safeguarding the nation while keeping the peace. A newer generation of leadership has no memory of Word War II, Korea, and Vietnam. They have scant memory of the Cold War. It would do them well to delve into the histories of those conflicts.
It’s vital to better acquaint themselves with the Cold War, which could have resulted in unimaginable nuclear conflict. Presidents from Truman to the elder Bush navigated the nation through one of the most treacherous periods in our history. Preparedness there was, flashpoints there were, but also a good deal of prudence and restraint were exercised to keep the peace.
The U.S. won the Cold War without catastrophe. The challenge, as we move into the second quarter of the 21st Century, is to avoid miscalculations that may result in major war with Russia and/or China – both nuclear armed countries. Statecraft isn’t an option. It’s a necessity.
During Donald Trump’s presidency, international tensions were lighter. Trump skillfully maneuvered to avoid conflict with Russia and China. He sought to resolve differences with China through dialogue, negotiations, and trade sanctions.
Today, those who run the Biden administration (Biden is practically a figurehead) rattle swords. They’re inching us closer to conflict with Russia. Trump’s election matters in many important ways, but one way is ending the jingoism and thoughtless risk-taking exhibited by Biden’s handlers. The fear is that a lame duck term for Biden might unleash those in his administration who’ve learned nothing from history and are hellbent on conflict with Russia. Two nuclear-armed powers have never squared off in a conventional war. The risk of escalation is obvious – or should be. Trump’s election is critical.
