President Obama's Pearl Harbor Speech. by Geezer

REAL WORLD EVENT DISCUSSIONS

President Obama's Pearl Harbor Speech.

POSTED BY: GEEZER
UPDATED: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 12:42
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Tuesday, October 30, 2012 5:23 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

February 7, 1942

"Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:

Two months ago, December 7th, 1941 -- a date which may live in infamy -- the United States of America might have been attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan…or someone else…if such an attack did occur at all.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, is still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

First, let me state that the United States deplores the release of several films in the “Mr. Moto” series that may be seen as stereotyping or defamatory by the Japanese government and people, but we must insist that possible violence may not be the proper way to convey these feelings.

Indeed, one hour after what may have been Japanese air squadrons, or possibly Japanese protestors, had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message condemning these pictures. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of peaceful protest, war or armed attack.

Although the distance of Hawaii from Japan seems to make it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago, we are still waiting for all the evidence to be assembled before we intemperately risk American lives by rash actions. During the intervening time, the Japanese government may, or may not, have deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. We don't know yet.

The attack two months ago on the Hawaiian Islands is reported to have caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives may have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. As soon as we have solid confirmation of these reports, we may act upon them.

Two months ago, protestors screaming “We’re not Mr. Moto” may also have launched an attack against Malaya.

Japanese forces, or someone else, may have attacked Hong Kong.

Somebody is reported to have attacked Guam.

There may have been an attack on the Philippine Islands.

We have unconfirmed reports of activity at Wake Island.

And either Japanese aircraft, or a flock of albatrosses, have attacked Midway Island.

Someone using Japanese ships and aircraft, but not necessarily Japan, may, therefore, have undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of two months ago would seem to speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and think they understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

However, the Government is still gathering facts, and asks that the American people wait for the results of our investigation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But ask that our whole nation remember that all the facts are not yet in.

No matter how long it may take us to find out who actually committed this crime, if such a crime was actually committed, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that 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 it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us, once we have confirmed that such treachery actually exists.

Hostilities may exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests may possibly be in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph -- so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the possible unprovoked and dastardly attack, or peaceful protest, by persons yet unknown on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, investigations should ceaselessly continue to determine if there is any reason for there to be any dispute between the United States and the Japanese empire."

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012 5:36 AM

STORYMARK

Note to anyone - Please pity the poor, poor wittle Rappyboy. He's feeling put upon lately, what with all those facts disagreeing with what he believes.

"We will never have the elite, smart people on our side." -- Rick "Frothy" Santorum

"Goram it kid, let's frak this thing and go home! Engage!"

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012 5:47 AM

1KIKI

Goodbye, kind world (George Monbiot) - In common with all those generations which have contemplated catastrophe, we appear to be incapable of understanding what confronts us.

Yes, because military aircraft sinking almost an entire fleet is JUST LIKE a small group of non-state armed people attacking a building.

You're slipping over the edge Geezer. Say hi to PN and little rapey over in crazy land.

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012 6:19 AM

JONGSSTRAW

Quote:
Originally posted by Geezer:
February 7, 1942

"Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:

What a terrific piece! Has all the biting sarcasm of a Johnathan Swift essay. You have it in quotes, so I'm wondering if you wrote it, or did it come from somewhere else. Either way, I enjoyed it very much. It's just my kind of over-the-top satire.

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012 6:28 AM

GEEZER

Keep the Shiny side up

Quote:
Originally posted by 1kiki:
Yes, because military aircraft sinking almost an entire fleet is JUST LIKE a small group of non-state armed people attacking a building.

But the Japanese didn't claim responsibility for the attack, so how could you verify it was them? Just like no one claimed responsibility for the Benghazi attack, so it might not have been a terrorist attack, just a protest gone wrong.

You just go back to sleep until President Obama tells you what really happened - after the election.

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012 6:31 AM

GEEZER

Keep the Shiny side up

Quote:
Originally posted by Jongsstraw:
Quote:
Originally posted by Geezer:
February 7, 1942

"Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:

What a terrific piece! Has all the biting sarcasm of a Johnathan Swift essay. You have it in quotes, so I'm wondering if you wrote it, or did it come from somewhere else. Either way, I enjoyed it very much. It's just my kind of over-the-top satire.

Roosevelt's actual Pearl Harbor speech is a pretty stirring piece of oratory. http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/fdrpearlharbor.htm Almost hated to make it so much less forceful and decisive.

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:16 AM

KWICKO

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)

Do you have any cites for Obama's Pearl Harbor speech?

"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero

"I was wrong" - Hero, 2012

Mitt Romney, introducing his running mate: "Join me in welcoming the next President of the United States, Paul Ryan!"

Rappy's response? "You're lying, gullible ( believing in some BS you heard on msnbc ) or hard of hearing."

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:18 AM

STORYMARK

Quote:
Originally posted by Geezer:
Quote:
Originally posted by 1kiki:
Yes, because military aircraft sinking almost an entire fleet is JUST LIKE a small group of non-state armed people attacking a building.

But the Japanese didn't claim responsibility for the attack, so how could you verify it was them? Just like no one claimed responsibility for the Benghazi attack, so it might not have been a terrorist attack, just a protest gone wrong.

I'll give it to you - you've reached a new apex of stupidity in your never-ending quest to create moronic equivalence.

You are aware that the Japanese army, like, labeled their MASSIVE FORCE right? Its not like they were in civvies and compact cars.

But then, when do facts matter in a fundie tirade?

Note to anyone - Please pity the poor, poor wittle Rappyboy. He's feeling put upon lately, what with all those facts disagreeing with what he believes.

"We will never have the elite, smart people on our side." -- Rick "Frothy" Santorum

"Goram it kid, let's frak this thing and go home! Engage!"

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:27 AM

KWICKO

Quote:
Originally posted by 1kiki:
Yes, because military aircraft sinking almost an entire fleet is JUST LIKE a small group of non-state armed people attacking a building.

You're slipping over the edge Geezer. Say hi to PN and little rapey over in crazy land.

Please, Kiki - Don't try to overburden poor old Slick's noggin with such trivial things as FACTS! You know he has no use for such things!

"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero

"I was wrong" - Hero, 2012

Mitt Romney, introducing his running mate: "Join me in welcoming the next President of the United States, Paul Ryan!"

Rappy's response? "You're lying, gullible ( believing in some BS you heard on msnbc ) or hard of hearing."

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:34 AM

M52NICKERSON

DALEK!

Quote:
Originally posted by Storymark:
But then, when do facts matter in a fundie tirade?

It is a little long, but it maybe FSTDT material.

I do not fear God, I fear the ignorance of man.
A warning to everyone, AURaptor is a known liar.
...and now a Fundie!
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.aspx?tid=53359

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012 12:42 PM

OONJERAH

Does this mean that if Barak Obama had been President in 1941,
We could have totally avoided involvement in WWII?

As well as subsequent, paranoia-feeding, military expenses?
And the endless cold war with the Soviet Union?

We would not have built the atom bomb.

Or would I be speaking German now?

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