Amos,

A point you are missing is that being PREPARED for war, and being perceived as WILLING to go to war, will PREVENT one from going to war: Conversely, being unprepared for war and/or perceived as unwilling to engage in war has, and seemingly (vice human nature) will in the future, gotten many nations into wars they did not desire.

I do not advocate war as the solution to all problems: But I will not cripple this country by stating we will not fight when our interests are threatened.

Wishing human nature was different might sound good, but when the lion sleeps with the lamb, the lion is well-fed and the lamb is dinner.