In Search of Monsters to Destroy
In Search of Monsters to Destroy
“The United States knows that she should not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy, for once enlisting under other banners than her own, she would involve herself, beyond the power of extrication, in all the wars of interest and intrigue, of individual avarice, envy, and ambition, which assume the colors and usurp the standard of freedom. The fundamental maxims of her policy would insensibly change from liberty to force so that, although she might become the dictatress of the world, she would be no longer the ruler of her own spirit.”
1821
John Quincy Adams
Sixth President of the United States
My thanks to Cynthia Chung for bringing this speech to my attention in her valuable article
“In Search of Monsters to Destroy: The Manufacturing of a Cold War”
(the text has been slightly redacted)
Will be part of my longer speech on August 15 marking the end of the Second World War
in tears, reading you writing in loving wise indelible ink. blessings to you emanuel for your sincere ascension to the urgent protection of liberty. she holds you in tender care as you fly the banner of freedom. oh standard bearer, draw close to devoted comrades who protect and care for you and yours.