It seems that the democrats have discovered a new way to bash President Bush. On Iraq, they said President Bush was too unilateral. On North Korea they say that he is too multi-lateral. Now these crazed, hypocritical liberals are trying to claim President Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative as their own. Throughout the 1980′s, these same liberlas ridiculed Ronald Reagan by calling his program “star wars,” and refused to fund the SDI program. They mocked Reagan and insisted that Reagan, George HW Bush, and George W. Bush discontinue the program. Falsely claiming that Bill Clinton was successful in North Korea, these liberals have now “re-discovered” the SDI. Please, we are not that stupid. It’s just the liberals trying to spread their latest myth.
The following are the words of President Ronald Reagan.
America does possess — now — the technologies to attain very significant improvements in the effectiveness of our conventional, non-nuclear forces. Proceeding boldly with these new technologies, we can significantly reduce any incentive that the Soviet Union may have to threaten attack against the United States or its allies.
As we pursue our goal of defensive technologies, we recognize that our allies rely upon our strategic offensive power to deter attacks against them. Their vital interests and ours are inextricably linked. Their safety and ours are one. And no change in technology can or will alter that reality. We must and shall continue to honor our commitments.
I clearly recognize that defensive systems have limitations and raise certain problems and ambiguities. If paired with offensive systems, they can be viewed as fostering an aggressive policy, and no one wants that. But with these considerations firmly in mind, I call upon the scientific community in our country, those who gave us nuclear weapons, to turn their great talents now to the cause of mankind and world peace, to give us the means of rendering these nuclear weapons impotent and obsolete.
Tonight, consistent with our obligations of the ABM treaty and recognizing the need for closer consultation with our allies, I’m taking an important first step. I am directing a comprehensive and intensive effort to define a long-term research and development program to begin to achieve our ultimate goal of eliminating the threat posed by strategic nuclear missiles. This could pave the way for arms control measures to eliminate the weapons themselves. We seek neither military superiority nor political advantage. Our only purpose — one all people share — is to search for ways to reduce the danger of nuclear war.
My fellow Americans, tonight we’re launching an effort which holds the promise of changing the course of human history. There will be risks, and results take time. But I believe we can do it. As we cross this threshold, I ask for your prayers and your support.
Thank you, good night, and God bless you.
President Ronald Reagan
March 23, 1983
