Inaugural Addresses by U.S. Presidents Term Paper

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"We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed. But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course. Both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war. So let us begin anew, remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof." Kennedy wished to suggest that it was in the national interest of both nations to talk and engage in diplomacy or official dialogue -- even while America was steadily building up its military arsenal and interventionist efforts in the name of anti-communism.

Kennedy was not hypocritical in confirming his interest in diplomacy yet justifying a military build-up in the name of peace -- rather, his words reflect the difficulty of his mission in giving the speech (on reason it was so carefully phrased). Kennedy wished to draw a line in the sand and say that the Soviet Union could not extend its sphere of influence beyond its current borders, and tip the balance of power of the two superpowers by acquiring new nations. A bipolar balance of power, the idea that the world was equitably controlled by either one of two superpowers, was the reality of Kennedy's world.

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Kennedy did not want to antagonize a nation with a nuclear capability, and he also wanted to demonstrate to the international community that the United States had peaceful intentions -- and to persuade the American public that some sort of rapprochement with the Soviets was demanded. But he also needed to take a stand against further Soviet territorial encroachment.

The fundamental philosophy and stated policy of Kennedy's speech was realistic, in terms of the Soviet threat, but his use of language was idealistic, stressing that both nations had a common human interest that could overcome immediate concerns of self-interest. Kennedy even suggested cooperation was possible, while still vowing to empower U.S. scientists to win the race to the moon: "Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations. Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce." Exploration of human possibility should be the aim of all peoples, urged Kennedy, whether American or Soviet......

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