Now let me make it clear that I believe there can only be one defense policy for the United States and that is summed up in the word 'first.' I do not mean first, but. I do not mean first, when. I do not mean first, if. I mean first - period.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the defense of the United States without conditions or hesitations.
John F. Kennedy's quote stresses that the defense policy of the United States should be unequivocal and prioritized above all else. He argues that there should be no conditions or circumstances that alter this commitment, implying that national security must be viewed as an absolute necessity rather than a choice influenced by timing or circumstances.
In practice
In a speech about national security, one could quote Kennedy to reinforce the idea of unwavering defense.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
Any leader has to have a certain amount of steel in them, so I am not that put out being called the Iron Lady.
Generals aren't in the business of commenting on the correctness or incorrectness of the President's decisions. Anybody who thinks he should be able to do that ought to be fired on the spot.
Get the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats...
It is necessary to develop a strategy that utilizes all the physical conditions and elements that are directly at hand. The best strategy relies upon an unlimited set of responses.
A ruler must learn to persuade and not to compel.
The more responsibility the Scoutmaster gives his patrol leaders, the more they will respond.
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