The War Inevitable

A speech by Patrick Henry March 1775

They tell us, Sir, that we are weak unable to cope with so formidable an
adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week,  or the
next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a  British guard
shall be stationed in every house?

Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the
means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging
the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand
and foot? Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of those means
which the God of nature hath placed in our power.

Three millions of People, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and iin such a
country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our
enemy can send against us. Beside, Sir, we shall not fight our battles alone.

There is a just God who presides over the destinies of Nations, and who will
raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, Sir, is not to the strong
alone. It is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.

Besides, Sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is
now too late to retire from the contest.  There is no retreat but in submission
and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains
of Boston! The war is inevitable. and let it come! I repeat, Sir, let it come!

It is in vain, Sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace! --
but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps
from the North will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our
breathren are already in the field!

Why stand we here idle? What is it that Gentlemen wish? What would they
have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of
chains and slavery!

Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for
me, give me liberty or give me death!

WWII Messages to Congress

Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Japan December 8, 1941

To the Congress of the United States:

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 a date which will live in infamy the United
States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air
forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of
Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor
looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, 1 hour
after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the
Japanese Ambassador to tie United States and his colleague delivered to
the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message.

While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing
diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed
attack. It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it
obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even
weeks ago.

During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately
sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions
of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage
to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have
been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on
the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against
Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending
throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves.

The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and
well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our Nation.
As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all
measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated
invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win
through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I
assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will
make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us
again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our
territory, and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces with the unbounded determination of
our people we will gain the inevitable triumph so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly
attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, a state of war has existed
between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
Germany & Italy December 11, 1941

On the morning of 11 December, the Government of Germany,
pursuing its course of world conquest, declared war against the United
States.

The long-known and the long-expected has thus taken place. The forces
endeavoring to enslave the entire world now are moving toward this
hemisphere.

Never before has there been a greater challenge to life, liberty, and
civilization.

Delay invites greater danger. Rapid and united effort by all of the peoples
of the world who are determined to remain free will ensure a world victory
of the forces of justice and of righteousness over the forces of savagery
and of barbarism.

Italy also has declared war against the United States.
I therefore request the Congress to recognize a state of war between the
United States and Germany, and between the United States and Italy.
A Few Words About the Necessity of War
from former leaders
and our current President.
and finally a few words about our current war:

The Global War on Terror was launched in response to the
September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S., for which
al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for killing thousands
of innocent U.S. citizens on our own soil.

In his address to a joint session of Congress following the attacks on
September 11, 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush defined the "war on
terror:" "Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end
there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been
found, stopped and defeated."

"And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism.
Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are
with us, or you are with the terrorists. From this day forward, any nation
that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the
United States as a hostile regime."
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