We restored local government and withdrew as Grenada regained stability. To the great credit of the Reagan administration, our military action was swift, conclusive, and carried out so quietly that no confrontation with the Soviets ensued. If we lack these military capabilities, we can expect eventually to lose safety, domestic prosperity, and freedom for ourselves and for others who depend on our strength. Defense strengthens deterrence. It is necessary not only to deter war but, most important, to deter Soviet domination.
Defense offers an alternative to capitulation and strengthens our position in the face of crisis.
It also can decrease the likelihood of nuclear holocaust by providing time for deliberate decision rather than instantaneous resort to massive retaliation lest our vulnerable offensive weapons be destroyed. To my mind, no such balance exists. We are attempting to balance the collective will and courage of 220 million frightened American voters against that of fourteen tough men in the Kremlin. This situation must be remedied, not sustained. We must reduce the potential effects of nuclear attack as much as possible.