"For we are opposed, around the world, by a
monolithic and ruthless conspiracy that relies primarily
on covert means for expanding its sphere of influence;
in infiltration instead of invasion; on subversion
instead of elections, on intimidation instead of free
choice; on guerillas by night instead of armies by day.
It is a system which has conscripted vast human and
material resources into the building of a tightly knit,
highly efficient machine that combines military,
diplomatic, intelligence, economic, scientific, and
political operations. Its preparations are concealed not
published. Its mistakes are buried, not headlined, its
dissenters are silenced, not praised; no expenditure is
questioned, no rumor is printed, no secret is revealed.
It conducts the cold war, in short, with a wartime
discipline no democracy would ever hope to wish to
match. ..."
◊ John F.
Kennedy |
