Speak softly and...

 

 

"Speak softly and carry a big stick..."

 

September 2, 1901

Vice President Roosevelt at the Minnesota State Fair

Those of us who studied history back in high school (before the days of Common Core) remember the not-as-famous cousin of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Theodore (Teddy), who was a progressive by nature, also had some good points. Whether his diplomacy hinged on his now famous saying (or not), is a matter of historical debate. However, when people today are asked about what they know about our 26h President, his famous saying usually comes to mind.

It would be nice to have a guy like Teddy around today. Or a guy like Rick Nelson (from Ozzie and Harriet days) who often would say he was a "nice guy who could be tough". Today we have nothing that engenders fear or trepidation in the hearts of our advisories. We have no money, we are shrinking our military, and we sure the heck don't know how to handle global bullies. "Speak softly and carry a big stick" has been replaced with "Make me mad and receive a letter."

Truthfully, I am not worried about Russia. Putin has sensed an opportunity to gain back total control of a warm water port. He is smart enough to know that MAD (mutually assured destruction) still exists between our two countries. He is just having way too much fun kicking sand in Obama's face.

I am however, worried about nation states who are not as well schooled as Russia. In particular, I am worried about North Korea and Iran. They remind me of sharks in the water who can smell blood. They don't worry about our President, and they fear him even less. Either one will take opportunities to vanquish their foes without fear of recrimination. They both have the potential to drag this country into a conflict which would make Iraq and Afghanistan look like child's play.

I remember hearing a story of President Reagan telling the North Koreans (through back channels), if they dared start a war with South Korea, he would turn their country into a sheet of glass. True or not, the North Koreans did not want any part of the "Gipper". For the most part, they minded their manners during the eight years of his presidency.

I often wonder how Teddy would do today if he was our President. I remember reading stories of Teddy, riding out in front of the Rough Riders. He was fearless and in charge. Some of that might have been the coloring of history, but I believe most is true. Teddy was a leader. He was never known as a chicken.

So tomorrow we start a new week. One of the big internet stories today tells of Russian troops massing on the Ukrainian border. Is this just bluster, or the next phase? By this time next week, we might have another redrawn map of the world. Does anyone, and I mean anyone, think we carry a "big stick" any longer? Have we just become a "paper tiger"? Many have said our friends no longer trust us and our enemies no longer fear us. To that I say this. Teddy - where are you when we need you?